Taking discarded items and giving them new life.

The RT Store gets its own spotlight this weekend as a show feature at the KC Remodel + Garden Show.

The RT Store, and its parent organization Rebuilding Together Kansas City (RTKC), challenged 10 local craftsmen and artisans, to upcycle items from the RT Store. “Upcycle” is a term that refers to transforming a used item, which some people might think of as junk, into something with value and purpose.

Rebuilding Together KC’s booth in the American Royal Center will display and sell these upcycled gems. You can see what they’ve created and think about what items you own that could be upcycled and repurposed! Volunteers will also be on hand to tell the story of neighbors helping neighbors — by volunteering to repair their homes.

The KC Remodel + Garden Show will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 at the door; get a $3 discount by using the promo code REBUILDING when buying online at www.kcremodelandgarden.com.

This week, while supplies last, the RT Store will give away a KC Remodel + Garden Show ticket with each purchase.

RT Store

The RT Store is a home improvement thrift store dedicated to recycling, reusing, and re-purposing housing materials. The store accepts donations of new and used materials, and encourages anyone to purchase from the store. Inventory includes modern and vintage building materials, cleaning supplies, tools, hardware, lighting, plumbing fixtures & appliances, as well as some architectural salvage and furniture. As an organization based on green principles, the RT Store enjoys fostering efforts to recycle, reuse, and repurpose housing materials.

All proceeds support RTKC community service programs, providing sustainable revenue, as-well-as much needed equipment, supplies, and materials for home repairs and safety modification projects to improve the homes and lives of our neighbors in need.

The RT Store is located at 1908 Plumbers Way, #300, Liberty, Missouri 64068. Open to the public, hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon.

Rebuilding Together Kansas City

Rebuilding Together Kansas City’s aim is to eliminate unsafe and deplorable homes in the KC Northland. In doing so, our neighbors are able to stay in their homes and avoid homelessness. Seniors are enabled to age in place and to live longer, better lives, said Stacie Bratcher, development director.

“With the help of over 400 volunteers, what we do is basically go in and make costly repairs for low cost or no cost,” she said.

The organization will have information at the KC Remodel + Garden Show on its approach to tackling homes needing repair, as well as the benefits of safety modifications for seniors, and other community needs and opportunities.

“Partnering with the remodel and garden show is a great way to spread our mission and gain volunteers,” said Clay McQuerry, executive director of Rebuilding Together KC. “We get to meet so many members of the community.

“More than 20,000 people come to the KC Remodel + Garden Show, and we can share about the critical needs in our community — people living without heat or with holes in their floor or ceiling. These are important stories that many people haven’t heard.”

McQuerry said Rebuilding Together KC had an economic impact of $239,582 last year. Since 2001, 5,859 volunteers have repaired 770 homes for a total market value of $2,296,890.

Thank You! ..your help certainly made their lives easier and safer.

“Rebuilding Day” Thanks to you Rebuilding Day 2017 was a huge success! Nearly 400 volunteers completed home repair projects on 24 residential homes (and 1 non-profit facility) in just 1 day.    Rebuilding Day is focused on eliminating unsafe and deplorable living conditions for homeowners who do not have the financial or physical means to complete the repairs themselves. These clients face unsafe or unsustainable living conditions that threaten their safety, health, and well-being.   Homeowner Evaluation Surveys revealed the following results: 100% rated the quality of work done by volunteer crews as Very Good. 75% agreed it was Not Likely they would have been able to complete the repairs with other resources, now or in the future, if the RTKC program did not exist. 42% agreed it was Possible to Very Likely they would have had to move from their home in the near future if RTKC’s services did not exist. 77% agreed the repairs made by RTKC Improved their home’s accessibility. 85% agreed the repairs made by RTKC Improved their home’s safety. Overall, 100% reported a Very Good impression of RTKC. Every day, your support makes positive results like these possible. Don’t believe us? Read these comments from our homeowners:  “Dear volunteers I appreciate everyone of you and God bless you for the work that you did for me. The work that was done has made for a healthier environment for me. I am enjoying my home and breathing better. Thank you!” ~Mickey “The crew I had to do my deck was wonderful. They all came together and worked hard. There were some things that had to be done later in the week in which all was completed perfectly.” ~Lyle “Keep up the good work, its nice to know some one cares to help. Thank you very much.” ~Sandi “I’ve been searching for the words to express my gratitude and am at a loss to find words to express how grateful I am for the help I have received. All of the people involved have been so kind and caring. We have such a busy world people sometimes are just not able to get the help they need. You have taken a huge burden off my shoulders. I now know my septic tank is in good shape, the yard looks so much nicer with trees being trimmed and all. There was no way I could have done these things and so many people take advantage. Rebuilding Together has been a blessing for us. Thank you.” ~Sarah   Click here to read more highlights of our accomplished 2017 projects and services; and view before and after project photos to inspire you this holiday season.    Save The Date: 2018 Rebuilding Day will take place on Saturday, October 6 with a kick-off celebration at 8:00 a.m., Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

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HEROES AT HOME PROGRAM TEAMS UP WITH REBUILDING TOGETHER TO RENOVATE HOME FOR KANSAS CITY VETERAN

Volunteers shape up Northland home for former Marine.

Sears’ Heroes at Home program is partnering with Rebuilding Together Kansas City to renovate the home of a veteran who served in the U. S. Marines from 1973-1977 as a Fire Rescue Man in the Air Wing Division.  Most of his time was spent at the bases in Cherry Point, North Carolina, and Honolulu, Hawaii.  Unfortunately, he now suffers from debilitating injuries acquired through his military career and post-military employment. 

This veteran’s life has been permanently changed by his injuries and disabilities.  Now 60 years old, and unable to work, he has been forced to solely survive on his disability check.  He does all he can to keep his house picked up and presentable, but his limited income does not enable him to make essential repairs.  He has lived in his house for 5 years, and he is frustrated that he is not physically able to complete the maintenance and repairs himself. 

Roof leaks are causing interior damage, and dysfunctional gutters are causing increased deterioration to the siding.  Although he has some family in the area who are helpful with regular maintenance and upkeep, these big repair items are beyond his resources.

During a home visit, He said, “It would mean the world to me to have these repairs done for me.  It would take a load of worries off of my mind about how I’m ever going to keep my house from totally deteriorating and falling apart.”

Utilizing a layered approach, Rebuilding Together KC Volunteer Crews will provide repairs to his home, focusing on health and safety improvements that will enable this veteran to remain in his home for as long and as safely as possible, simultaneously preserving both well-being and quality of life.

Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide bring together thousands of community volunteers each year, to provide free home repairs and modifications to low-income Americans – older adults, persons with disabilities, military veterans and families in need.

Over the last decade, the Heroes at Home program has raised over $21 million in support of Rebuilding Together’s and served 14,250 veterans across the country. Rebuilding Together affiliates and Sears’ Heroes at Home program will complete dozens of projects this fall, adding to the nearly 1,700 rebuilds completed since the program began.

Special Thanks to:

• volunteers from the Bank of America for replacing the roof on October 7.
• volunteers from The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for replacing soffits, fascia, and siding on October 21.
• Rick Miller of L & M Electric for replacing the electrical panel and updating wiring to make this veteran’s home safe.
• RTKC Project Manager, Marty Clariday, for his efforts to bring this project to fruition.
• Sears for their continued partnership and project funding.
• our homeowner for his dedicated service to our country and our community.

You too can support this local veteran through our Heroes at Home project. Your donation will support critical program components including building materials and supplies, project management, and professional labor expenses. Thank you for your support.