City Salute: Rebuilding Together | Video

Kristin Clouston | 2/4/2013

For the past 15 years, Rebuilding Together has raised more than $800,000 and provided home repair services for the elderly, low income and disabled in the Bismarck-Mandan area. That`s why KFYR-TV and City Magazine are giving it our City Salute.

Rebuilding together does more than fix houses; it helps community members keep their homes and their dignity.

"A lot of people don`t want to go to a nursing home or assisted living and if we can do something as easy as building ramps or widening entrances or things like that it goes a long way," said board member Tanner Blair.

Since starting in 1997, more than 5,000 volunteers have donated their time and skills.

"A bunch of volunteers converge on these homes and we do a lot of home repairs and refurbishing type services," Blair said.

Rebuilding Together has repaired 134 homes in Bismarck-Mandan. The homeowners don`t have to pay for the work or materials, but fixing up homes costs money so the non-profit hosts an annual bowling fundraiser.

"We always actually have a theme. This year we`re deciding our theme for the year. Last year we were sports teams so everyone dressed up as their favorite sports athlete and it was a lot of fun. The year before that we did super heroes," Blair said.

This year`s bowling tournament will be on March 16, and the rebuilding day is April 27.

You can find more information about applying for help, bowling in the tournament or volunteering on its website.

You can find more information about applying for help, bowling in the tournament or volunteering on its website, rebuildingtogetherbisman.com.

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