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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
NATIONAL REBUILDING DAY 2024
WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, a volunteer organization preserving and revitalizing low-income homes and communities, repaired its first home in suburban Cook County in 1992, and has since rehabilitated nearly 1,900 homes, as well as assisted in the development of essential community centers and gardens; and
WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit organization, which sponsors National Rebuilding Day across the country on the last Saturday in April; and
WHEREAS, every year Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago selects two neighborhoods in Cook County in which to provide home repair for elderly, disabled or low-income individuals; and
WHEREAS, more than 3,000 volunteers annually, including Cook County employees, donate their time and talents to plan and complete hundreds of free home repairs for residents in Cook County through Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago’s volunteer teams; and
WHEREAS, repairs typically focus on keeping homeowners “warm, safe and dry” and also improve access for low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, last year Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago was cautious but optimistic. The County contributed $100,000 through its Community Development Block Grant program supporting two renovations and repaired homes in south suburban Chicago Heights. As such, services to homeowners continued in a manner that keeps volunteers and homeowners safe. This year, Rebuilding Together plans another National Rebuilding Day on April 27, 2024; and
WHEREAS, this year, Rebuilding Together services will be rendered for homes in Park Forest; and
WHEREAS, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago is an example of Cook County and other local governments working in partnership with private entities to assist residents and communities in need; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby recognize and express Cook County's sincere gratitude to Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago and its participating partners, as we work together to restore homes to a warm, safe, and dry condition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that various departments, including but not limited to the Bureau of Economic Development, Bureau of Administration and the Bureau of Asset Management continue to work annually with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago to determine project scope for the Cook County sponsored projects and coordinate volunteers annually for National Rebuilding Day activities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Bureau of Economic Development, Bureau of Administration and Bureau of Asset Management be recognized for their ongoing efforts in determining Cook County’s annual project scope and determining repairs that will be conducted by Cook County employee volunteers for National Rebuilding Day activities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago in acknowledgment of its past accomplishments and to a successful upcoming year.
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