Employees of Cook County volunteer to update and repair homes in Maywood
President Preckwinkle, along with First District Commissioner Tara Stamps and Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker, toured two homes in west suburban Maywood renovated and repaired by volunteers from Cook County and other firms and companies. In partnership with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, skilled tradespeople lend their craftsmanship and expertise to assist elderly, disabled and low-income residents and allow them to stay in their home and live safely and independently. This is the 34th year Cook County has participated in this initiative.
This year, County volunteers from the Department of Capital Planning and Policy, Facilities Management and the Department of Transportation and Highways conducted repairs and major renovations in both homes, including safety repairs such as grab bars in bathrooms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and handrails. Other repairs included painting, leak repair, replacement of cabinets, exterior stairs, and replacement of light fixtures.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle serves as honorary chair of Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago. “Every year our Cook County employees dedicate their personal time to this important mission”, said Preckwinkle. “They donate their skills and craftmanship to give back to residents in Cook County who need it the most, and through their hard work and the generous donations of our partners, these families will be able to stay in their homes for years to come.”
This morning, Commissioner Stamps toured one of the homes undergoing renovation. “It’s great to see the outpouring of support from County volunteers.” said Stamps. “I am proud to support efforts like this to give back to our community and help our senior residents thrive in their homes.”
“Rebuilding Together coming to the Village of Maywood to invest in updates for more than 30 homes during our annual Village Pride, Village Wide Day is a perfect match.” said Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker. “On this day, we beautify and refresh our community through various projects with nearly 200 volunteers. This collaboration represents an amazing experience: people plus partnership equals possibilities. As we continue in our goal of Moving Maywood Forward Together with Cook County through Invest in Cook, Stronger Communities, Build Up Cook, and more, I am thankful for their intentional care in relationship building.”
“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, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago. “We are grateful for the incredible leadership of President Preckwinkle and her support of this important annual event, and we truly 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.”
The County contributed $100,000 to Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago this year through its Community Development Block Grant program, as well as $26,000 of Department of Transportation and Highways resources. Employees who are tradespeople of various unions, including Laborers Local 1092, Electricians Local 134, Plumbers Local 130, Carpenters Local 1256, and Painters District Council #14, assisted in the renovations.
Along with Cook County, sponsors of home repairs in Maywood include TRANE, Paul Borg, Ashlaur Construction, F.H. Paschen, S. Mechanical, Grace Infrastructure, Lowes, and Windy City Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.
Additional information about Rebuilding Together of Metro Chicago and program are available by calling Wanda Ramirez at (312) 201-1188 or visiting rebuildingtogether-chi.com.