TAMPA, Fla. — All around Tampa Bay, there are power saws whirring and hammers pounding. From floors to roofs and sometimes even with brand-new construction, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay is busy at work.
The not-for-profit organization helps keep seniors, veterans and low-income families living in safe homes.
“Health gets in the way, work, finances get in the way. So, when we’re able to come in and help a family out — it’s huge,” explains Rosie Agudelo of RTTB.
At one client’s home in Tampa, the lineup of walkers outside the front door gives you a hint of the hardships within. Melissa Bailey has multiple sclerosis and moves around with difficulty.
Her 8-year-old son, Nathaniel, battles asthma.
“Whenever I have to cough, there starts to be a pain in my chest,” says Nathaniel, patting his green T-shirt.
Rebuilding Together cleaned the house air ducts to help Nathaniel’s breathing and constructed a concrete ramp outside the front entrance, which makes it easier and safer for Melissa to come and go.
“It keeps me from falling off or having to step up and fall into the house,” Melissa said. I’m a big fall risk factor.”
But Melissa still has one more big need.
“I would so like a better bathroom,” she said, hands clasped in prayer.
The home’s current bathroom can’t accommodate her walker and even with handrails, stepping up and over a high shower casing is a struggle.
“Very exhausting for me,” Melissa pants after giving a demonstration.
But on this day, 10 Tampa Bay got to share in some very good news. Rebuilding Together will be able to renovate Melissa’s bathroom to make it handicapped accessible.
“It will be a walk-in shower,” Agudelo told a surprised Melissa. “You won’t have to worry about a slip or fall.”
Melissa exclaimed “Oh my God,” nearly in tears at the news. “It will be the next chapter in my life — for the better!”
10 Tampa Bay and our parent company's TEGNA Foundation presented Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay with a $2,000 grant to help build on their wonderful work in the community.