Category All Art Classes Classical Music Concerts DANCE Etc Exhibits Families Farmers Markets Film Happenings Holiday Holiday Lectures Music (non-classical) Theater

Submit events

HELPING OUT. Phyliss Egner took advantage of the nice weather to do some work in the yard.

Rebuilding Together lends a hand to long-time Tacoma resident

By Tiffany Richards

Volunteers with Rebuilding Together South Sound (RTSS) and Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) gathered at the home of long-time Tacoma resident Darlyn Hatfield on April 26 to make the house more energy efficient and improve Hatfield’s overall quality of life.

“Our combined efforts have an ongoing, positive impact on homeowners in our neighborhood and across the country,” said Amy Hoyte, RTSS executive director. “The WSPA’s support enables us to help improve the quality of life for many deserving homeowners who can now live more comfortably, safely, and use less energy.”

“We are delighted to partner with Rebuilding Together South Sound in this outstanding initiative,” said Tupper Hull, the director of strategic communications at the WSPA. “Our efforts will help provide the homeowner with the dual benefit of saving energy and money.”

RTSS conducts a one-day home repair and renovation program, serving low-income and elderly homeowners, individuals with disabilities and families with young children who would not be able to make the necessary home improvements. It is the local affiliate of Rebuilding Together, the nation’s largest non-profit organization working to preserve homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods throughout the country.

“[We’re] helping homeowners make renovations on their homes when it would otherwise be impossible for them,” said Hoyte.

Hatfield is one such person. She is a widow in her early 70s who suffers from kidney and heart problems and is on dialysis three days a week. She continues to live independently, however, in the same home she has lived in for nearly 50 years with the help of her grandson Aaron Kelly.

Hatfield learned about Rebuilding Together when she was sent an application from someone who painted her home 10 years earlier. “This is something I knew nothing about, applied for and now it is absolutely one of the things I have most looked forward to in a long time,” she said. “I love Rebuilding Together.”

The improvements to the Hatfield residence included a complete installation of Energy Star windows throughout her home, and improvements in many key areas such as the kitchen, dining room and bathroom.

Supported through an Energy Efficiency Initiative with WSPA, and with support from the Remodelors Council of Master Builders Association of Pierce County, and numerous Tacoma-area businesses, the event truly brought the community together for a worthy cause.

“I heard about it [Rebuilding Together] at work and wanted to contribute,” said Jim Jelinek, a sales manager with Simco. “They asked for volunteers, and we said yes.” Jelinek’s company also provided the cabinets and solid surface counters installed in Hatfield’s home.

“I came out here because I love to volunteer for this kind of work. Hopefully, they have me working in the yard,” said Michele Courvoisier Coyne, an administrative assistant for Legends Roofing Company in Puyallup.

One volunteer, Susan Sunny, learned of the event from her manager at Contract Furnishing Mart, Lynne Hill. “[I] came out here just to help. I look forward to it every year,” Sunny said. Hill served as the event’s project coordinator along with Mark Egner.

Volunteer Phyllis Egner was encouraged to come out through a more mutual acquaintance. “My husband Mark, who is also the team leader [for this site], coaxed me into coming. It’s a beautiful day for it; that means it was meant to be.”

There was one volunteer who did not have to travel too far from home. Bill Pennell, a heavy equipment operator for Weyerhaeuser, shared his reason for helping. “I’ve been Darlyn’s next-door neighbor for the past 30 years. She’s a great lady.” He went on to say that she is one of a handful of long-time residents left in the neighborhood.

All the volunteers, including Hatfield’s grandson, Kelly, were also grateful to the many local caterers who provided them with much needed nourishment throughout the day. “Even the littlest thing can make a difference,” he said.

“With all the bad news going on all the time, this is what we need,” Hatfield said. “It makes you feel good to see something like this in your own neighborhood.”

Story Tools