Cook County Partners with Rebuilding Together to Renovate Two Homes in Blue Island
Over 1,900 Chicago-area homes renovated through the program since 1991
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle toured two renovated homes today in south suburban Blue Island as part of “Rebuilding Together,” an annual initiative that assists elderly, disabled and low-income residents with home repairs and upgrades.
The work was completed by the skilled tradespeople from the County’s Departments of Facilities Management and Transportation and Highways as well as private sector partners and local tradespeople. This is the 32nd year Cook County has participated in this initiative.
President Preckwinkle serves as honorary chair of Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, a nonprofit organization that improves the safety and accessibility of resident’s homes by installing ADA accessible bathroom amenities, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and new windows. Other home improvements include fresh paint, completely remodeled kitchens and landscaping.
“Seeing the joy on residents’ faces as they admire the work completed inside and outside their home is such a special moment,” said President Preckwinkle. “I am grateful to the County’s skilled tradespeople for their generosity to make critical improvements to these homes. Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago does so much to ensure that our most-deserving residents have a safe and comfortable home to live in for years to come and the County is a proud partner on this initiative.”
More than 1,900 Chicago-area homes have been renovated through the program since its inception in 1991.
“Cook County’s continued investment in the communities we serve is truly making a lasting impact on the quality of life for its residents,” said Wanda Ramirez, CEO of Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago. “We greatly appreciate the continuing participation of Cook County employees who selflessly donate their time, talent and skills for the benefit of others during our National Rebuilding Day efforts each year, and for the incredible leadership of President Preckwinkle for her support of this important annual event.”
In addition to County employees, local tradespeople also assisted in repairing the County-sponsored homes including Laborers Local 1092, Electricians Local 134, Plumbers Local 130, Carpenters Local 1256, Painters District Council #14 and Operating Engineers Local 399.
Along with Cook County, sponsors of home repairs in Blue Island include Ashlaur Construction, F.H. Paschen, Autumn Construction, S. Mechanical and Taylor Made Design.
Additional information about Rebuilding Together of Metro Chicago and its programming is available by visiting www.rebuildingtogether-chi.com.