By: Liz Jones, Community Networking Coordinator, HandsOn Twin Cities

“Come together, right now.”

In response to the recent tornado devastation in North Minneapolis and in honor of 9/11 Day of Service, HandsOn Twin Cities and Rebuilding Together Twin Cities have partnered up to conduct repairs on the homes of 30 Minneapolis and St. Paul families.  Included in these homes are those of military Veterans, as well as homes that were affected by the tornado. 

Repair projects began earlier in the month and will continue throughout September. 

Nonprofit collaboration not only saves time and resources, but allows for a serious community impact to be made.  Together, HOTC and RTTC’s efforts will result in:

15 Home Repair projects (a Rebuilding Together Twin Cities program) which include: light carpentry, light electrical work, plumbing, painting, landscaping, etc. Each rehab will mobilize corporate employees and entail $5,000 of supply and management costs and will impact 15 families.

15 light repair projects which are identified through Rebuilding Together Twin Cities’ Safe at Home program. These projects will receive minor home safety or accessibility modifications with a supply and management budget of $2,000 per home. 15 families will be the recipients of these projects.

 

When organizations combine forces and pool their staff, efforts, connections, and ideas together, the outcome can be nothing less than amazing.  Whether they are working on a specific series of projects-like HOTC and RTTC, or are working toward a long-term community goal-like such coalitions as the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and the Affirmative Options Coalition, nonprofit collaboration has continually been a proven success. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with HandsOn Twin Cities.  Together, we will honor those who have given so much for our country and help more local families live independently in safe and warm homes.”

                           – Kathy Greiner, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Twin Cities

“We are proud to be part of both a local and national collaboration in memoriam of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.  The Twin Cities corporations, organizations and volunteers continue to be inspirational in its community actions and we look forward to making a great impact for this Tribute.” 

                       -Kristin Schurrer, Executive Director of HandsOn Twin Cities

Join our tribute to the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11 and take part in this National Day of Service and Remembrance by participating in our culminating event:

On Saturday, September 10^th at Victory Memorial Flagpole at 9am, volunteers will gather and listen to local dignitaries share the importance of service. Attending the event is Brian Dunn, Best Buy CEO; Kathleen Burnett, teacher and civic leader; and invited local leaders. Immediately after the speaking engagement, participate in volunteer opportunities until 12pm, including:

• Clean and polish tribute markers along Victory Memorial Drive

• Beautification needs at Farview Park in North Minneapolis

• Tree and shrub planting at Theodore Wirth Park in North Minneapolis

• Speed volunteering opportunities:

–      Draw and write on a Freedom Banner

–      Send electronic tributes to troops

–      Letters to the troops

Community members, individual volunteers, and volunteer groups may attend the culminating event and partake in the service projects without pre-registering.   

Registration begins day of at 8:45am, speaking engagements begin at 9am, and community members can pop in to participate in the speed volunteering projects anytime before wrap-up at noon.

Victory Memorial Flagpole is located at 45^th Avenue North & Memorial Parkway in Minneapolis, MN.