Group Helping to Renovate Homes

Rebuilding Together renovating 11 local homes

Updated: Saturday, 14 May 2011, 10:50 PM CDT

Published : Saturday, 14 May 2011, 5:02 PM CDT

• Reporter: Beth Jones

GREEN BAY - Rebuilding Together volunteers were out in full force Saturday helping to repair and renovate the homes of area families in need.

It's estimated more than half of Wisconsin's residents are living paycheck to paycheck. That means many can't afford to fix a leaky roof or make needed upgrades to their own home.

But one group is working to help those who are struggling including families right here in Green Bay.

Eleven homes are getting some much needed renovations free of charge through the non-profit organization Rebuilding Together.

But it's so much more for Green Bay residents Shannon and Ed Greenberger.

"It's amazing what they're doing for me, to help me stay in my own home," explained Shannon.

Shannon was diagnosed with Lupus 20 years ago, and struggles with diabetes. As the years go by she says it is becoming more and more difficult to get around.

And since her current home is not handicapped accessible, she says it's been tough just to get outside.

"Eventually we would have had to find some other place or I would have wound up in a nursing home," Shannon said.

But volunteers have been working all week to put in a ramp and make the home more accessible. It's been a life changing experience for both Shannon and her husband

"It's like a miracle. It's like Christmas 50 times over," Shannon said.

"Pretty soon I'm going to maybe have problems getting around like my wife does, and it will be nicer to be able to do that," explained Ed Greenberger. "For her to be able to get in and out of the house it'll be a lot nicer too."

Each year hundreds of local Rebuilding Together volunteers help renovate homes for the elderly, handicapped and low-income homeowners.

The projects in the Green Bay area aren't the only ones underway. Rebuilding Together chapters across the nation have been working to renovate thousands of homes this week.

Volunteers say it's all about helping others.

"Ultimately, it's really to make that family enjoy life just a little bit more," said Mark Wiegel, Rebuilding Together Team Captain.

And for families, like the Greenbergers, they'll get to enjoy life in their newly renovated home by Sunday afternoon.