Celebrating Excellence in the Rebuilding Together Network

The 2024 Celebration of Excellence Awards, held at our annual Summit conference, was a night of recognition, celebration and inspiration as Rebuilding Together affiliates from across the country gathered to honor outstanding achievements in community service, collaboration, leadership, equity and collective impact. The evening highlighted the exceptional work being done to revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives. This year’s awards were particularly special, as two new categories were introduced.Excellence in Community Programming: Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge

The Award for Excellence in Community Programming is presented to an affiliate that demonstrates exceptional direct service initiatives to engage and serve neighbors. This year’s recipient is Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge.

For over 20 years, Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge has been at the heart of revitalizing homes and lives. Recognizing that a home repair inspection often reveals issues beyond physical damage, they introduced a case manager role. This role not only addresses home repairs but also helps homeowners tackle challenges such as food insecurity, transportation and mental health issues. By offering community care coordination, Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge is not just fixing homes—they’re creating a foundation for long-term community resilience and self-sufficiency.

Excellence in Collaboration: Rebuilding Together Dayton

Collaboration is a core value of the Rebuilding Together Network, and the Award for Excellence in Collaboration recognizes affiliates that forge meaningful partnerships to amplify the impact of their work. Rebuilding Together Dayton stood out for its extraordinary commitment to collaboration.

As the founding member of the Miami Valley Non-Profit Housing Collaborative and the Dayton Home Repair Network, Rebuilding Together Dayton has led the charge in fostering a platform for collective action. One of their standout achievements was commissioning the Housing and Community Needs Assessment, which helped guide local housing initiatives. They also developed a shared client database and universal application process, making it easier for homeowners to access services while reducing the administrative burden for partner organizations.

Through these initiatives, Rebuilding Together Dayton has demonstrated the power of partnership in driving lasting, positive change within communities.

Excellence in Overall Leadership: Rebuilding Together Nashville

Leadership is a cornerstone of any successful organization, and the Excellence in Overall Leadership Award celebrates affiliates that demonstrate outstanding leadership and growth. This year’s recipient, Rebuilding Together Nashville, exemplifies visionary leadership in both organizational development and community impact.

Following the devastating tornado that struck Nashville in 2023, Rebuilding Together Nashville stepped up as the lead construction agency in the city’s Long-Term Disaster Recovery Group. Not only have they been pivotal in providing repairs, but they also implemented innovative solutions to manage funding and expand their reach. Their Multiplier Fund has allowed them to complete more projects, while their strategic growth has contributed to significant budget and staff growth.

Rebuilding Together Nashville’s leadership has propelled them into a position of strength, enabling them to expand services and make a profound impact on homeowners’ lives.

Excellence in Equity: Rebuilding Together Philadelphia

The newly introduced Excellence in Equity Award recognizes affiliates that are working to eliminate disparities in housing and promote equity within their communities. Rebuilding Together Philadelphia has earned this honor for its unwavering commitment to advancing equity.

Through their Homeowner Advisory Council, Rebuilding Together Philadelphia ensures that the voices of homeowners are central to their work. The council, which compensates members for their time and expertise, has driven numerous initiatives, such as revising subcontractor agreements and launching a workforce development program. By integrating equity into every aspect of their operations, Rebuilding Together Philadelphia is helping preserve homeownership and support the long-term financial stability of communities.

Commitment to Collective Impact: Rebuilding Together Greater Florida

The Commitment to Collective Impact Award is presented to an affiliate that exemplifies outstanding leadership and fosters unity across the Rebuilding Together Network. This year, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida was honored for its exceptional work in disaster preparedness and recovery.

Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, and Rebuilding Together Greater Florida has proven time and again that they are ready to respond. With a network of seven offices, they provide service across 22 counties, offering essential home repairs, safety modifications and building affordable housing. Their relationships with state agencies, nonprofits and local governments have made them a trusted partner in disaster recovery. In the face of devastating storms, like Hurricane Ian, Idalia and Helene, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida has been at the forefront of relief efforts, embodying the true spirit of collective impact.

Looking to the Future

From innovative community programming to groundbreaking collaborations and visionary leadership, Rebuilding Together affiliates are shining examples of what’s possible when we work together to rebuild homes and strengthen communities.

Congratulations to all the 2024 Celebration of Excellence award recipients for their dedication to rebuilding homes and transforming lives. Let’s continue to work together to create stronger, more resilient communities for all!