What is the biggest
misconception about the industry?
As a nonprofit organization
in the building and construction field, we are often confused with Habitat for
Humanity. While similar in that we leverage our impact with the help of
volunteers, we have a very different focus. RTMC works to preserve safe and healthy
affordable housing, preventing homelessness and allowing elders to safely age
in place.
What is your biggest
current challenge at work?
The biggest challenge for
us is the overwhelming need. Thousands of low-income county residents qualify
for our help with home repairs. Fortunately, we were able to increase the
number of households served last year from 74 to 112, yet there are still so
many we would like to help.
What keeps you up at night?
Waiting to hear whether
grant funding comes through! As a nonprofit, we are completely funded through
the charitable contributions of individuals, businesses, private foundations,
and government agencies. It can be nerve wracking at times, but the
immeasurable benefit is seeing the generosity of people and the commitment of
companies to give back to the community.
What project is your
company most proud of?
We recently completed an
amazing event called "She Builds" that galvanized the power of women
in construction to make a difference for women in need. We had close to 90
volunteers work on the homes of two women-led households and a women's homeless
shelter.
We also have our flagship event, "National Rebuilding Day" on the
last weekend of April every year. This year we will work on 13 homes with about
400 volunteers.
How does your ABC
membership help your company?
We are incredibly grateful
for the connections that have been made through our ABC membership! Our recent
She Builds event is a great example of how supportive industry connections
helped us more than triple the impact of the event.