Rebuilding Together Welcomes Austin Affiliate to Network

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2014 – Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit with a vision of a safe and healthy home for every person, is pleased to announce the launch of its newest affiliate in Austin, Texas. Rebuilding Together Austin officially kicked off its work in the community with a home repair project in February. As part of this renovation, volunteers installed 125 feet of fencing for a Veteran who is a senior citizen and also blind, allowing him to receive a companion animal.

Rebuilding Together Austin is led by Executive Director Cindy Spackman, who is not new to the Rebuilding Together system. Spackman worked at Rebuilding Together Sacramento for nearly 10 years in many capacities.

"Rebuilding Together has afforded me many leadership opportunities," said Spackman. Ready for bigger challenges, Spackman felt called to share her passion for Rebuilding Together with the Austin community. "Home is where families are raised and memories are created. Everyone deserves access to a safe, healthy and happy home," said Spackman. 

Since launching Rebuilding Together Austin, Spackman has joined the Austin Housing Repair Coalition where she has been able to establish a strong partnership with the local Meals On Wheels and More program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rebuilding Together Austin into our affiliate network," said Charley Shimanski, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "We appreciate Cindy's leadership as she is bringing our vision of safe and healthy homes for those in need to the Austin community with gusto."

Spackman is excited to continue rebuild projects into the spring and summer.  Rebuilding Together Austin's next project will be working on two homes on National Rebuilding Day, April 26, through a Sears' Heroes at Home grant. Recently, the affiliate also was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Austin Relief Alliance to provide critical repairs to 10 homes that were impacted by the 2013 Halloween Floods.