Group aims to help Saratoga County homeowners

By ERIN DOWER edower@poststar com

SARATOGA SPRINGS Lending a hand to low-income homeowners may soon mean traveling across town instead of across state borders or the country.

Earlier this month, a group of local residents established a chapter of Rebuilding Together, a national nonsectarian organization that repairs and rehabilitates the homes of low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners.

Michelle Larkin, president of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, said she hopes her organization will be able to help five to seven homeowners in the county this year.

Rebuilding Together will hold an organizational meeting open to the public at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the New England Presbyterian Church on Circular Street.

"At first you think, `Saratoga County? Where could there be a need?"' she said. "But there is. People don't really broadcast it."

Larkin, who lives in Saratoga Springs, said she used to lead youth groups and bring teenagers to Washington, D.C., and Boston to lend a hand to Rebuilding Together chapters in those cities.

"We were always traveling, but obviously, there are people in your back yard who need help," she said.

Shelters of Saratoga is another not-for-profit group that does home repairs for low-income homeowners. Jeanine Farmer, director of the shelter and home
rehabilitation service, said she is glad to see Rebuilding Together come to the area because the two organizations will complement, not duplicate, one another.

Shelters of Saratoga receives federal grants and rehabilitates up to 25 homes in Saratoga Springs each year, Farmer said. Rebuilding Together will repair
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fewer homes but is not limited to helping city residents only. Marian Bigelow, public relations chairwoman for Rebuilding Together, said the local chapter is a grass-roots community program that benefits from being part of a national network.

The local chapter will raise all of its own money through small fund-raisers, like bottle returns, and through donations from churches, businesses and individuals, Bigelow said.

But the Saratoga County , chapter will turn to the national network for advice and will start its local home rehabilitation projects on April 24 - the same day that Rebuilding Together groups across the country will also do repairs, Bigelow said.

If the work is not done that Saturday, Rebuilding Together will continue to work the next day and on subsequent weekends this spring, if necessary, Bigelow said. All types of people, including families and both skilled and unskilled workers, are encouraged to join the organization, but there is a suggested age of 14 years and up for participants, she said. Bigelow, who lives near Schuylerville, said as people look around town, they may not realize they have neighbors in need.

"There are a lot of people who have a very difficult time taking care of themselves," she said. "It. can happen to anybody. Here's a way that's very hands-on that you can help."

For more information on Rebuilding Together, e-mail mbigelow@nycap.rr.com or call S83-4640.