After 25 years of dedicated service as Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, we have an exciting announcement: We are changing our name to Rebuilding Together Greater Florida.
This name change serves an important purpose. It better reflects the growth of our mission and our commitment to serving communities throughout Florida. We are expanding our reach across the Sunshine State, providing essential services and deepening our impact as we help make homes safer before disaster strikes and lend a steady, reliable hand after. We now have offices in Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Arcadia, Fort Myers and Port Charlotte. There are also plans to open an office in Jacksonville.
Of course, we are continuing to assist thousands of Floridians affected by recent hurricanes including Milton, Helene and Debby, in 2024, Idalia in 2023 and Ian in 2022. At the same time, we also remain committed to disaster preparedness, home repairs and providing affordable housing solutions for Floridians.
That has been our two-pronged mission for more than two decades. Recovering from hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters gets much of the public attention, and we have been at the forefront in providing critical support to families struggling to cope. However, our work goes beyond just recovery — we’re also focused on year-round home safety for those who might not be directly impacted by a disaster. Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is on the ground in communities, helping homeowners become better prepared and more resilient when the skies are blue, and we’re there after the skies turn dark, to help them recover from devastating natural disasters.
Through our Safe and Healthy Home Program, we perform vital repairs and upgrades to make homes safer and more secure. We follow 25 key safety priorities, ensuring homes have safe entrances, watertight roofs, functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, pest-free environments and bathroom modifications, for those with mobility challenges. These efforts help homeowners live securely and reduce the risk of accidents and health hazards in their homes. They also enable our senior citizens to age in place, which helps stabilize neighborhoods and helps preserve family wealth for the next generation.
Along with helping residents both prepare and recover from hurricanes and other natural disasters; Rebuilding Together Greater Florida also remains dedicated to addressing Florida’s affordable housing crisis. We build homes that are affordable for purchase and also provide affordable rental units that provide families with a pathway to financial stability.
For homeowners, we provide education that goes beyond the traditional focus on managing mortgage payments. We include a range of topics that promote successful home ownership including arranging credit and financing repairs. We also have specific programs aimed at making home repairs for military veterans and for households led by women. The benefits extend far beyond the repairs themselves: Homeowners report those repairs reduce financial burdens, improve their physical condition and lessen mental stress.
Our affordable rental units are designed to offer low rents, allowing residents to save for a potential down payment on a home in the future. By keeping rent low, we give families the chance to build savings and work toward homeownership. Our goal is to help families move toward financial independence while offering them safe, stable housing.
Our overall mission at Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is more than providing immediate relief after natural disasters. It’s also about fostering long-term recovery and resilience. By partnering with local authorities, businesses and volunteers, we provide comprehensive rebuilding services that incorporate resilient design and energy-efficient technologies. This proactive approach ensures that homes can withstand future disasters, and that families and communities can recover faster. And our education programs on home maintenance and disaster readiness help residents protect their homes and prepare for the challenges that may lie ahead. By equipping communities with the tools to maintain their homes, we are helping them build resilience for the future.
As we approach another potentially challenging hurricane season, I invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether you need assistance, want to volunteer or are interested in partnering with us, your support plays a key role in extending our reach and impact.
Together, we can rebuild stronger, more resilient communities across Florida. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit www.rtgfl.org.
By Jose Garcia is the chief executive officer of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida