Nonprofit repairs 13 homes, church in Akers Park
Dale Swenson was hoping for an exterior paint job and a little rewiring work on his Oklahoma City home when he called Rebuilding Together OKC to ask for help.
Instead, volunteers spent the better part of a day overhauling Swenson’s 1940s home in Akers Park. “It would have taken me 10 years to do all of these projects myself,” the 69-year-old said.
Nearly 1,000 volunteers descended on the OKC neighborhood April 14 during the 26th annual Rebuilding Day.
Thirteen homes owned by lowincome seniors and one church were repaired on April 14 during the event organized by Rebuilding Together OKC, which helps adults 55 and older maintain and stay in their homes.
Churches, companies and individuals replaced flooring, put in new windows and doors, painted, cleaned and repaired roofs, kitchens and bathrooms across the neighborhood southeast of the Interstate 35 and Interstate 40 junction.
“Because we’re in a concentrated area, we’re hoping this will provide some visibility,” nonprofit Spokeswoman Becky Cavnar said. “Maybe it will inspire more of the neighbors to work on their own homes and boost the overall value of the neighborhood.”
About 50 Boeing employees were among the day’s volunteers. The company has partnered with Rebuilding Together OKC for more than 20 years.
Boeing engineer Emily Miller worked with a team on Swenson’s house. “I love giving back,” Miller said. “It’s a lot of sweat equity, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Swenson’s house did receive the new paint and wiring repairs he originally requested, but volunteers also replaced flooring, lighting and a toilet, rebuilt the laundry room and reframed several doorways.
After owning the home for about six years, Swenson, a part-time zoo employee, said he is grateful for the repairs.
“I basically have a new home,” Swenson said. “They did a lot of work that I wouldn’t get around to for a long time.”