Rehabilitating Neighborhoods one home at a time

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Saturday the rain didn't stop volunteers from making a difference. "Rebuilding Together Indianapolis" made it their mission to fix up around 20 homes in the Martindale-Brightwood community.

“It changed tremendously the new streets and sidewalks the upkeep these guys are doing here around the neighborhood is just incredible. It’s inspiring,” says homeowner Robert Johnson.

With just a few screws, some paint, and a rake, a home can start to look like new."It means years of rebuilding maintenance. I need done on my home that I haven't been able to afford it and a bunch of volunteers come in help out and pitch in you know it’s just amazing," says Johnson.

Robert Johnson has owned his home for 46 years. Over the years Robert hasn't been able to afford the upkeep and that’s where “Rebuilding Together Indianapolis” comes in. "They need help and they worked hard all their lives retirement has allowed them to do what they can, but we're here to put the icing on the cake to take some of those major expenses that they wouldn't ordinarily be able to afford," explains Operations Director Acey Byrd.

The organization is tackling around 20 homes in the Martindale-Brightwood area. The hope is to help homeowners with property upkeep make the area more beautiful and hopefully cut down on crime. “Crime has decreased, people say about crime but crime has decreased,” says homeowner Johnson.

With the help of volunteers and the community's support homeowners can be proud to call this area their home. “Why should I move why do I need to move? If I got a roof over my head here and maintain it, I'm happy,” explains Johnson.

Mayor Ballard kicked off today's event. “Rebuilding Together Indianapolis” pushed through and worked on around 20 homes and also worked on a community garden for the area.