Rebuilding Together, Lowe’s Work to Preserve Homes in Dorchester Neighborhood

Boston, MA, June 5, 2014 - Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit, and its local Boston affiliate are teaming up with Lowe’s to provide critical repairs and renovations to two homes in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Mass.  More than 80 Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers from Boston-area stores will volunteer on June 11-12 to provide critical repairs, accessibility modifications and other safety improvements as part of a $90,000 Lowe’s grant. These renovations will help safeguard the health of local families as they continue to live in their homes.

“We appreciate the support of the Rebuilding Together Boston, Lowe’s and Carter’s Kids volunteers who are making critical improvements in the neighborhood and at the Leahy Holloran Community Center,” said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. “The tot lot for the preschool children is a welcome addition to the community, and we are grateful for all those who are donating their time and services to make this a reality.”

In addition to the home repairs, Rebuilding Together and Lowe’s will partner with Carter’s Kids to build a new playground for the Leahy Holloran Community Center and provide renovations to the preschool as well as other improvements to the Community Center.

"We’re thrilled to be a part of the revitalization efforts in Dorchester," said Carter Oosterhouse, founder of Carter’s Kids. "The playground will provide a safe, community-driven space for years to come."

Carter’s Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and promoting awareness of fitness and self-esteem for America’s youth, was founded by Oosterhouse of HGTV’s “Million Dollar Rooms” and “Celebrity Motor Homes.” Oosterhouse will work alongside volunteers on both days and will dedicate the new play space on June 12.

“Thanks to our partnership with Lowe’s, Rebuilding Together is able to provide these families with the needed repairs to make their homes and neighborhood safe, as well as make the community a better place to live,” said Charley Shimanski, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together.  “This is a unique opportunity to work with the Dorchester community, and we are thrilled to be a part of this lasting impact.”

Since 2007, Lowe’s has contributed more than $9 million to Rebuilding Together to improve local communities. With the help of Lowe’s Heroes, Lowe’s and Rebuilding Together have renovated and rehabilitated over 1,200 homes and assisted approximately 12,000 individuals, providing low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners with critical repairs, accessibility and safety modifications and energy-efficiency updates.

“It is a pleasure to partner with Rebuilding Together because the work we do not only benefits individuals, but also impacts entire communities,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “Helping our neighbors make much-needed updates to their homes builds a renewed sense of pride and engagement that is contagious to others around them, and the gift of a new playground where the entire neighborhood can gather strengthens the community.”

Dorchester is Boston’s oldest and most diverse neighborhood with a six square mile area that merges living space with business districts. Residents of Dorchester comprise of both old families that have lived there for generations and new immigrants. Dorchester faces a variety of challenges and having safe and healthy homes lays the foundation to conquer them.