FAQs

Who do we help?

RTGLA provides assistance to low-income homeowners who are unable, due to physical or financial limitation, to cover the cost of home repair.  Typically, these homeowners are elderly, very low-income, disabled, or families with small children.

When are there projects to volunteer for?

Since need doesn't know what time of year it is, we work year around.  However, our biggest efforts are National Rebuilding Day, the last Saturday of April, and Make a Difference Day, usually the last Saturday of October.  In between, we take on individual projects within our service area.

How does the work get done?

Rebuilding Together borrows from the concept of an old-fashioned American barn raising.  As many as 100 volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, show up on a Saturday morning to work on a recipient's home.  Skilled and unskilled volunteers work side by side to improve the living conditions of the homeowner. Often, skilled volunteers allow unskilled workers to learn to hang drywall, set tile or any of a variety of other necessary tasks.

Where does the money to do this work come from?

Funding comes from corporate sponsors, grants, local businesses, civic organizations, religious groups and individuals.  Ten dollars from a grateful recipient means as much to us as large corporate donations. Rebuilding Together does more with less.  Typically, for every dollar donated in goods, skills or money, we leverage at least 4 more out of it.  Wise use of resources assures that we can do as much work as possible to keep homeowners safe, warm, and dry.  Neighbor’s helping neighbor’s builds stronger and safer neighborhoods and communities.

How are homeowners selected?

Qualified homeowners are usually elderly, very low income, disabled, veterans, or families with small children and are unable to make needed repairs themselves.  Referrals often come from nonprofit agencies, city code enforcement, social service organizations and individuals.  Potential recipients fill out an application and submit it to our local RTGLA office.  All information is kept strictly confidential.  We review each application and schedule site visits and homeowner interviews.  The level of need, difficulty of repairs and our available resources are considered during the review.  If we be unable to serve the applicant, alternative resources will be provided.

How extensive are the repairs?

Skilled volunteers are used for plumbing, electrical, carpentry and other tasks requiring special training.  Skilled and unskilled volunteers do painting, cleaning, weatherization and landscaping.  Licensed contractors are used for all roofing work.  We are not able to perform structural repairs such as foundation work or termite damage, nor are we able to install sprinkler systems or carpeting.  We do our utmost to assure repairs are done in a reasonable manner, but due to the volunteer nature of the organization, we cannot make express warranties or guarantees for the work performed.

Is there a charge for Rebuilding Together's services?

No.  All repairs are done free of charge to the homeowner.  While we bring the necessary volunteers to get the work done, homeowners and all able-bodied family members are expected to pitch in and help to the fullest extent they are able.  Rebuilding Together retains no ownership or interest in the improved property.

What are the requirements to be a volunteer?

If the volunteer is above the age of 18 there are no restrictions but a Volunteer Waiver Form must be completed. There are restrictions for persons under age 18, which are listed below.

UNDER AGE 14:

PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 14 ARE NOT AND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED AT REBUILDING TOGETHER WORKSITES.

Volunteer Waiver form MUST be signed by a parent or legal guardian if the Volunteer is between age 14 and 18 years.

Work Scope restrictions for persons under the age of 18: 

Ages 14 & 15: 

Can; paint, perform general clean up, and landscaping tasks.

Cannot; perform demolition, construction, use power tools or work on ladders.

They must be supervised on a one adult-to-one youth ratio.

Ages 16 & 17:

Can; paint, perform general clean up, and landscaping tasks.

Cannot; help with excavation, demolition, use power tools, work at heights above 6 feet or on the roof.

Can; assist with general carpentry.

They must be supervised at a minimum on a one adult-to-three youth ratio.

How can I contribute?

Contributions can be sent to: Rebuilding Together Greater Los Angeles, P.O. Box 882108, Los Angeles, CA  90009.  All contributions are tax-deductible and an acknowledgement and receipt will be provided for your tax records.  You can also donate on line.

How do I contact Rebuilding Together?

Locally, you can contact us at (310) 645-6500, write to us at RTGLA, P.O. Box 882108, Los Angeles, CA  90009 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Nationally, you can contact Rebuilding Together at 1-(800) 4-REHAB-9 or visit the website at www.rebuildingtogether.org