Shazam Network and Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines Team Up to Repair the Homes of Two Des Moines Residents
Shazam Network, a long-standing Corporate partner of Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines teams up for another annual workday making critical home repairs possible for low-income families.
Nearly thirty-five volunteers from Shazam Network including their CEO Paul Walz joined Rebuilding Together on July 13 and 14 to make major repairs to the home of two Des Moines residents.
“We have a committee at Shazam that organizes different activities for our employees outside of the office. One of the activities our employees look forward to each year is our work day with Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines. The employees enjoy getting involved in the community together while making a positive impact on those in need.” says Jay Lohmann, House Captain.
Ida Rush has lived in her 100-year-old home on Onawa St. for 50 years. The home was in need of several critical repairs to allow Ida to be more mobile in her wheelchair. Ida is a loyal patron of the Polk County meal site. Every day at around 9:30 am the DART bus pulls up to the curb in front of her home and the driver lowers the ramp to wheel Ida in. “It’s been very difficult getting to and from the bus. My son-in-law and daughter who live just 2 houses down come over to push me up the gravel rock driveway every day. By having the work completed, I will be much safer and feel like I can do it on my own.” Ida said.
Ida’s new sidewalk expands from her front door out to the curb for a smooth exit and entrance onto the bus. Ida will no longer have to be pushed uphill, over gravel rock, and/or grass to get to the bus. In addition to the expanded patio and sidewalk, the team of volunteers from Shazam did several other repairs to the home such as replacing the front and storm door, gutters, fascia, trim, paint, and new gravel for the driveway.
Just a few miles away from Ida’s home another group of Shazam volunteers worked on Jane Young’s home. Jane, who just celebrated her 85th birthday in June and has lived in her home on E. Tiffin for 58 years, reflects on the memories of raising her children and family gatherings held at the home. “Every holiday the entire family gathers here, so it’s important to make it a safe place they can come to visit.”
Jane reached out to Rebuilding Together when she could no longer do the work herself. “After overcoming cancer and a serious heart attack nearly 25 years ago, I knew I needed to do something about my health so I started exercising every day and eating right,” Jane said. “It saddens me that I can’t do as much because of my back pain.”
To stay active Jane volunteers her time with Staves United Methodist church making regular home visits to the members and shut-ins. “I have been blessed in abundance,” says Jane. “It makes me happy to be able to bring joy to others in return.” Jane received a new storm door on the front of the home, new gutters, fascia, siding, and paint on the garage, front security light, and landscaping.
Ida and Jane are good examples of the homeowners Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines helps annually. With the support from Corporate partnerships, like Shazam Network, Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines can help more homeowners in similar situations get the repairs necessary to improve the health and safety of their homes. If you’re interested in learning how your corporation can get involved, contact us today.
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