Volunteers rebuild homes

NEENAH - Spring cleaning took on new meaning with volunteers pitching-in in their communities to help neighbors in need.

"These are people who have a need, health or disability, and can't maintain their home," said Cindy Wetzel, a board member of Rebuilding Together Fox Valley.

"We're putting in a new suspended ceiling in the kitchen...we're painting in here..." said Tod Raehl, a professional carpenter, who is donating his time and talents to oversee this project home in Neenah.

The home owners--Julie and Steve Redemann moved in six years ago knowing it was fixer upper--but unfortunately Steve suffered a personal setback.

"My husband started a bunch of projects but got sick. He thought he could finish them," said Julie.

"I have cancer. I wanted to get some of the stuff done but my health wouldn't hold out," explained Steve.

So in came more than 50 volunteers from ThedaCare donating money and time just for this one house.

In all 18 homes in the Fox Valley are being remodeled and repaired during this one day project. To get the jobs done, among other things, they're going through 500 square feet of carpet, 216 gallons of paint, 7,200 square feet of siding and 3,400 square feet of roofing. But most important there are more than 700 volunteers doing all the work.

"It's neat for people to feel they're contributing giving to others, it's just for a great cause," said Jean Blaney, a volunteer.

Fixing up one house on the block though, contributes to the overall upkeep of the entire street.

"It helps the neighbors it helps the community by improving the home's status as well as the homeowners," said Wetzel.

"Some cosmetic, some to make life more comfortable, that's what we're trying to do," said Raehl.

"It's amazing. It means the world to us...it's fantastic," gushed Julie Redemann.

For the homeowners, the work being done can truly be a life saver.