On Saturday, April 29th, more than 40 members of SOM’s Chicago team participated in National Rebuilding Day. The annual event was hosted by the Metro Chicago chapter of Rebuilding Together, an organization dedicated to improving the homes of those in need across the United States. SOM’s multidisciplinary team volunteered in the city’s North Lawndale neighborhood, located on the West Side of Chicago.
In advance of National Rebuilding Day, SOM staff met with the homeowners to assess their needs and determine a course of action. Throughout the day, the volunteers repaired and installed safety handrails outside and inside the home; repainted the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms; replaced a bathroom vanity and flooring; and repaired and landscaped the backyard, adding new plants and garden beds.
Across the city, more than 3,000 volunteers helped repair 88 homes in the Chicago neighborhoods of North Lawndale, Austin, and Robbins. 2017 marks SOM’s ninth year leading a team and sponsoring a home for Rebuilding Together.