mission is repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. They leverage gifts of time, money, skill and labor to repair and rehabilitate homes for income-eligible seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, and families with children in Kent County. They are dedicated to ending substandard housing. All work is done at no cost to homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria. This is an equal opportunity program. Learn more at RebuildingTogetherKCMD.org.
On Saturday, October 12th, volunteers, friends and homeowners of Rebuilding Together Kent County (RTKC) came together for a “Family Fun Day” on a beautiful autumn afternoon at Piney Grove Farm. Food, drinks, live music and amazing interactions were a wonderful way to celebrate 20 years of the organization helping more homeowners in Kent County live in safe and healthy homes.
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel swept up the Chesapeake Bay and across Kent County, devastating area homes - especially in Rock Hall. A band of concerned citizens, spearheaded by Dave Waugh, wanted to help local people recover from the storm. They went to the Chester Valley Minister’ Association for help, and the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, led then by Reverend Sara Holburn, agreed to get involved. They applied to the national disaster fund, received a $10,000 grant, and were underway.
Linda Culp, Sue Basener, Richard & Leann Miller, Courtney & John Sjostrum, Rob Comfort, Dave & Sandy Waugh, Bob Schminkey, Gail Newman, Mickey Elsberg, Airlee Johnson and others joined the group and RTKC was officially formed in 2004. This grassroots, volunteer organization worked out of donated space at the Presbyterian Church for 19 years, making needed repairs to hundreds of county homes. Now, thanks to national, regional and local support, RTKC has built capacity to do more at each project site. As its Executive Director, Genevieve Croker, said, “At Rebuilding Together, we believe a healthy home is a human right. Through the dedicated efforts of many, we have been able to grow our impact for those we serve. Rising costs and relatively flat wages or social security payments make maintenance difficult, especially as folks age. We are proud of how far we’ve come and we know we still have plenty of work to do!”
The celebration on Saturday was heartfelt, and was one of appreciation for the neighbors RTKC serves and for all of the donated time, talent and treasure from county residents over the years. This 20th Anniversary celebration would not have been possible without generous sponsors: Project Manager Level - Clara & Brian Rankin and Carolyn & Donald Urgo; Site Supervisor Level - Envision Wealth Planning and The Peoples Bank; Carpenter Level - Anthony, Judge & Ware, Duke Law, Gillespie Precast, and Molly’s Place.
RTKC is also so grateful to the wonderful individuals and businesses who donated auction, raffle and other items - Bayside Market, Bespoke Chocolate, Blue Heron Oyster House, Steve & Virginia Croker, Crow Vineyard, Tom DiAngelo, Eastern Shore Tents & Events, Emily’s Salon, Happy Chicken, Humble Hearts Catering, Kent Bees, Jennifer & Chip Lieber, Robert Ortiz Studio, Rock Hall Liquors, Shore Shine Detailing, Silver Linings, Sugar Doodles,The Finishing Touch, The Mainstay, The Trinity Blues Trio, Village Hardware, Wayne Gatling Guide Services, and Walnut & Wool.
