Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada is a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating the homes of the disabled, elderly and low-income families with small children. As a result of the economic downturn, more and more families find themselves in the position of choosing between vital necessities over essential home repairs and modifications.

Working in collaboration with Green Chips, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit committed to developing community partnerships that promote sustainability in the region, Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada is helping low-income residents stay in their homes. Below are some examples:

Mrs. Wiggins lives on a fixed income with little money left over for costly home repairs. Not to mention the grandmother cares for her children and grandchildren in her home. That’s where Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada stepped in. She is currently employed and has been living in her home for three years. Through the partnership with the Green Chips program Mrs. Wiggins will receive:

• Installation of a new duct system
• Have the shell of the home sealed
• Attic Insulation
• CO Detector
• Partial new windows

In addition to the repairs through the Green Chips program, Mrs. Wiggins received 2 new toilets, kitchen faucet, heat repairs and new carpeting through Rebuilding Together.

Like many retired senior citizens, Mrs. Glover hoped to sustain herself on a limited income from Social Security and a small pension. Because her house is over 47 years old, home repairs put a strain on her budget. Through the Green Chips program she will receive:

• Seal the duct system at the ceiling fans.
• Move a/c unit from ground in backyard to top of house
• Seal the shell of the home
• Drop ceiling in one room so it can be sealed
• Insulate the attic
• CO Detector
• Install exhaust fans in both bathrooms
• Partial new windows.

In addition Mrs. Glover has received assistance with a repair on her a/c unit and will be adopted into the Rebuilding Together National Rebuilding Day Program where volunteers will paint the exterior of her home and clean up her property.

Williams Residence

Mrs. Williams is a retired senior citizen and disabled woman who has lived in her home for 46 years. She collects Social Security and a small pension. Her circumstances make her an ideal recipient of the services provided by Rebuilding Together. Through the Green Chips program she will receive:

• An air seal on her home
• Attic insulation
• Exterior wall insulation
• Installed swamp cooler
• Installed new duel pane windows with Low-e throughout the home

In addition to the Green Chips program, Rebuilding together will replace breakers in the electrical panel, electrical repairs will be made throughout the home, shingles replaced and plumbing repairs.

Through the Green Chips Pilot Program, Rebuilding Together is expecting to complete five projects in 2010 that will include comprehensive energy audits and retrofits to make the home more energy efficient.