Rebuilding Together with Christmas In April

Year After Year, BIA Members Lend Helping Hands to Needy Families

For the past TWENTY-TWO years, members of the MNCBIA have generously come forward with contributions of money, building materials and most importantly "hands-on" labor in support of the annual Rebuilding Together with Christmas In April programs throughout the entire Maryland-National Capital Area: Calvert County (410) 535-9044 Tel / email Charles County (301) 705-7292 Tel / email District of Columbia (202) 965-2824 Tel / email Montgomery County (301) 933-2700 Tel / email Prince George's County (301) 868-0937 Tel / email St. Mary's County (301) 863-2905 Tel / email
Through the Christmas in April program, homes owned by low-income, disabled or elderly residents in our communities are rebuilt and renovated as owners are often unable to handle such repairs.And although Christmas In April is presented as a one-day event (annually, the last Saturday in April) in fact for our builders, subcontractors and associates, it is more of a multi-weeks project. The highly skilled builders and associates of MNCBIA have historically answered the calls to undertake the renovation of the "heaviest" of homes in our communities, and have quite often, literally, rebuilt homes that are dilapidated and sometimes close to condemnation.
On an annual basis since 2002, MNCBIA's Home Builders Care Foundation has fulfilled its commitment to participate in all Rebuilding Together and Christmas In April programs througout all six MNCBIA jurisdictions - (the Counties of Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's, and St. Mary's in Maryland and the District of Columbia). The following projects are just a sampling of the homes we have adopted over the past few years.

In Washington, D.C. a house owned by a 73-year old woman with a 39- year-old handicapped daughter was "adopted" by Mitchell & Best Homebuilders, Hailey Development and Sequoia Bank. Work on this home included extensive roof repair as well as repairs to the interior caused by the roof leaks, walls and flooring repairs, bathroom renovation and interior painting. Elsewhere in Washington, Mid-City Financial Corporation undertook electrical and plumbing repairs at several houses at various city locations.

In Montgomery County, The Porten Companies, Craftmark Homes and Winchester Homes took responsibility for a house owned by a 74-year old woman that still works full-time yet only realizes an annual income of $11,000. Work on this house included roofing repairs, plumbing, interior drywall and painting. Also in Montgomery County, Trammell Crow patched the walls and painted the dining and living rooms of a house owned by a 62-year old woman with serious illnesses and a below poverty level annual income.

In Prince George's County in 2006, over a half dozen MNBCIA members graciously stepped up to "adopt a house." 18 volunteer members of th Timberlake Homes "Extreme Makeover Team” transformed the home of 77-year-old widow. A Caruso Homes team assisted a 71-year old diabetic homeowner with kidney failure. They replaced a handicapped ramp, installed new ADA-approved fixtures, and installed all new landscaping in the front yard. A K. Hovnanian Homes rebuilding team undertook approximately $8500 worth of repairs. And the Maryland South Division of NVHomes made necessary repair and modifications at a home for a single mother with three children, one of whom is a nonverbal quadriplegic.

In Calvert County, P.F. Summers rebuilt the screen porch for a 79-year old homeowner. The rotting foundation made it unsafe for her to use her favorite part of the house. The existing porch was demolished and replaced so that she can comfortably and safely enjoy the warm weather.

In Charles and St. Mary's Counties, BIA members have worked through their local Kiwanis and other fraternal organizations to provide financial and in-kind support to several houses located throughout the counties.

The work done by building industry members as part of the Rebuilding Together with Christmas In April programs is just another example of the ongoing community outreach and charitable work organized by the Home Builders Care Foundation and yet another example that HOME BUILDERS CARE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITIES.

On the words of Shane Sullivan with Caruso Homes, “We all take great pride in giving back to the community; there is an indescribable satisfaction in helping individuals and their families and improving their lives. We are very proud to be involved and are looking forward to next year.”

A 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Community Outreach Program affiliated with the Maryland National-Capital Building Industry Association.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.