Rebuilding Together, HGTV and Partners Team Up to Change the World
Article type: News
The successful community revitalization and environmental awareness initiative, HGTV Change the World. Start at Home, will offer new opportunities for Americans to get engaged in volunteer community projects. In partnership with Rebuilding Together, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the 2009 campaign will highlight historic veterans’ group homes in eight U.S. cities -- Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, St. Louis, Philadelphia and Tampa. Online users can visit HGTV.com/changetheworld to vote for their favorite projects. Viewers of HGTV’s Rose Parade 2009, airing live on Thursday, January 1, at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT will be among the first to hear about the eight featured cities.
Voting will be active from January 1, 2009, to March 2, 2009. The two selected cities will be announced during the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009 special, airing on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The revitalization activities for the two selected cities may include new insulation, appliances and windows to make the homes more energy efficient. The “befores and afters” will be featured in an HGTV special in October 2009. For the markets not selected by popular vote, HGTV will make a $5,000 contribution.
Participating cities include:
Atlanta, Georgia
Organization: Transition House
Program: The Desoto House; provides affordable housing & counseling in a cooperative environment to six veterans.
Historical Value: Home built in 1920
“Green” Component: Water conservation (new faucets), CFL lighting, low VOC paints.
Work Scope Highlights: New Sprinkler system, Gutters and downspouts, new windows, painting and landscaping.
Chicago, Illinois
Organization: Eddie Beard Veterans Home
Program: Offers the counseling, education, and job placement services homeless veterans need to become self sufficient.
Historical Value: 3-story flat built in 1953
“Green” Component: Replacing broken windows and upgrading appliances.
Work Scope Highlights: Converting existing office space into accessible living space for disabled veterans, renovate kitchen, painting.
Detroit, Michigan
Organization: Keane-Rankin DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 1
Program: assists returning veterans from WWII to Operation Iraqi Freedom gain access to a range of services; from psychological counseling to a simple hot meal.
Historical Value: historical building (1949) was the hub of Detroit’s Westside, housing the most elite black social and professional club in the city, the Cotillion Club
“Green” Component: upgraded social room and kitchen will use energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, etc.
Work Scope Highlights: Much needed wheel chair lift (site has no wheelchair access), social room and kitchen upgrades and repairs.
Los Angeles, CA
Organization: New Directions, Inc.
Program: Mitchell House residential treatment program designed for female veterans dealing with issues of homelessness, trauma and addiction.
Historical Value: Home built in 1939.
“Green” Component: Energy efficient appliances in kitchen, upgraded A/C units.
Work Scope Highlights: Remodeled kitchen (currently does not meet needs of residents), new A/C units, install new flooring, painting.
Nashville, Tennessee
Organization: Operation Stand Down
Program: 2 houses providing accommodations in a structured, secure, and supportive environment for homeless veterans.
Historical Value: Homes built in 1926 and 1943.
“Green” Component: Energy efficient appliances in kitchen.
Work Scope Highlights: New sprinkler system to meet fire code regulations, new appliances and kitchen upgrades, replace carpet and vinyl flooring, outdoor living space.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Organization: Housing for Homeless Vets Corp.
Program: 4245 Romain Street is a three bedroom townhouse where homeless veterans receive food, shelter, and assistance finding employment or a permanent place to live.
Historical Value: Located in the historic Frankford District of Philadelphia and over 70 years old.
“Green” Component: Upgraded insulation, windows, fittings, and appliances.
Work Scope Highlights: Remodel kitchen (new appliances), remove and replace damaged insulation and windows, build a wheelchair ramp for disability access, add a second bathroom.
St. Louis, Missouri
Organization: Windsor Transitional House
Program: Home owned by Desert Storm Veteran Hence J. Forland and providing spiritual support, transportation, job placement services, aid for substance abuse and resources for up to 4 veterans.
Historical Value: Home is 104 years old.
“Green” Component: New windows, CFL lighting, low-flow water fixtures, recycled materials for wood and counter-top purchases.
Work Scope Highlights: Replace rear porch, new windows and doors, kitchen upgrades, insulation, painting.
Tampa, Florida
Organization: New Beginnings Veteran Women’s Shelter
Program: Provides a safe haven to female veterans with children who are struggling to adjust to civilian life. The shelter and transitional program houses approximately four women and their children in a remodeled duplex.
Historical Value: Home is nearly 80 years old.
“Green” Component: New A/C and heating systems, low-E windows and increased insulation, CFL lighting, and water conservation fixtures
Work Scope Highlights: Replace roof, new windows and doors, accessibility upgrades in bathrooms, new carpeting, and painting.
Vote for your favorite city now online at HGTV.com.