The cities of Salt Lake and
South Salt Lake have partnered with World Changers, a volunteer
organization, to provide free housing repairs for at least 26
low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners from July 6-10,
2009. This marks the third year of the World Changers
partnership. During the first two years of the program, more
than 500 volunteers from around the country traveled here to
provide new roofs, wheelchair ramps, paint, windows, porches,
etc. for 54 households. This year 272 volunteers from Arizona,
New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and California will
provide free housing repairs for an additional 26+ homes in Salt
Lake City and South Salt Lake.
In addition to the World
Changers project, this year Salt Lake City partnered with a
local volunteer group, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. This
group of 150 volunteers provided free housing repairs for an
additional 11 homes from June 15-19, 2009. They performed the
same types of repairs as the World Changers volunteers; however
since they are local they were paired with those home owners
who may need continual maintenance assistance. They also
did yard assistance for several additional households.
The costs of the projects are
greatly reduced since the volunteers supply all the labor and
tools. The only project expenses incurred are material costs,
dumpster and porta-let fees, and staff hours.
The amount of community and
volunteer support for these projects has made it possible for
Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake to assist homeowners who
otherwise may not be able to afford home repairs. The City
ensures all projects funded through CDBG meet income guidelines
and all other appropriate HUD regulations. Projects are given
priority based on income/circumstances demonstrating the most
need.
