Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay scores with Kickoff to Rebuild

Amy Hammond | Tuesday, February 2, 2021

The Safe and Healthy Homes program made home repairs designed to improve air quality for this family. Courtesy of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay previously replaced the roof and flooring in this family’s home. Courtesy of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

Safe & Health Homes for Families provided mold remediation and other repairs to improve air quality for this family of asthma sufferers. Courtesy of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

This image shows a bathroom before repairs made by Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. Courtesy of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

This image shows a bathroom after repairs made by Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. Courtesy of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

The Kickoff for this program, originally set for February 6 at Ragan Park, was postponed due to COVID exposure and is now rescheduled for Saturday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., according to the organizers.

Renovations of Big Game proportion are coming to the Tampa Bay Area in the form of Kickoff to Rebuild, a Super Bowl-sanctioned initiative that takes place annually in the event’s host city. This is the 26^th year in which local contractors in the host city will install new HVAC systems, modify plumbing, rewire electrical grids, and more -- all in the name of altruism. When the repairs are completed, 30 Tampa neighbors in need won’t have a bill to pay.

“As part of this monthlong rebuilding event, 20 homes will get new roofs and 10 homes will undergo repairs,” says Erika Key, program manager for the Safe & Healthy Homes for Families program of Rebuilding Tampa Bay.

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB), which has assisted low-income homeowners with home repairs for 20 years, is to lead the local effort.

Homeowners with residences located in West and East Tampa, Drew and Orient Park, and Sulphur Springs will be eligible for the assistance. Volunteers from Lowe’s, local contractors, and members of the community plan to follow COVID-19 protocols during the effort.

Interested in assistance with home repairs and services? Attend the community fair Saturday, Feb. 6, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ragan Park. The free event will highlight housing and rental assistance, family and children’s resources, health, nutrition, food security, and more. Virtual attendance is also possible. (UPDATED INFO: The Kickoff for this program is now set for Saturday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Ragan Park. The original date had to be postponed due to COVID exposure, according to the organizers.)

“Our ideal audience for the community fair is low-income homeowners in need of assistance with home repairs and services in their homes,” Key says.

Community service organizations interested in hosting a booth or table at the event may reserve a gratis booth by contacting Brandy Canada at [email protected] or 813-965-8341.

To apply for the Kickoff renovations, complete the application found here.

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Read more articles by Amy Hammond.

Amy Hammond is a freelance writer and author of children’s books that encourage the next generation to attend college. When not indoctrinating youth about the necessity of higher education, she enjoys exploring the paradise that is her St. Petersburg home. She holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Masters in Secondary English Education from the University of South Florida. Her work has appeared in such venues as the Tampa Bay Times. Children’s Book Titles by Amy Hammond include: When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Gator; When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a ‘Nole; When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Bull; When I Grow Up, I’m Bama Bound; When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Tiger.