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Duke Energy Foundation presents $75,000 check to continue Rebuilding Together’s work
(Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay issued the following news release today.)
St. Petersburg, Fla. – St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, St. Petersburg City Councilman John Muhammad, and other officials toured one of the recently renovated homes completed by Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) in south St. Petersburg today. RTTB has invested more than $1.1 million dollars since 2022 and more than $88,000 since May 15, 2023, to make much-needed repairs to six homes in the area.
Mayor Welch and Councilman Muhammad met and toured the home of Ms. Gail Allen. Ms. Allen received $29,000 worth of improvements from RTTB. A lifelong St. Petersburg resident, Ms. Allen has worked in the health care field since 1981. She was unable to make the repairs her home needed including new windows, flooring, air conditioner, lighting, kitchen cabinets, and a new roof. With the help of RTTB, those needs were met and her home was made more resilient just in time for hurricane season.
“Our administration is focused on Housing Opportunities for All, including existing homeowners,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. “We are grateful for the renovation efforts of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay so that residents can have healthy and safe places to live. Their expertise and compassion have brought about transformative changes for residents – our shared commitment fosters a thriving community where every St. Petersburg homeowner can flourish.”
After the tour, Duke Energy Foundation illustrated its commitment to helping families rebuild their homes and their lives by presenting Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay and sister affiliates Rebuilding Together Central Florida and Rebuilding Together North Central Florida with a check for $75,000 to continue their efforts.
“We want customers to know we will be there for them when they need us most,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are grateful to continue our collaboration with Rebuilding Together on ways we can assist our most vulnerable customers as they repair and rebuild their lives.”
The Duke Energy Foundation’s Powerful Communities program focuses on strengthening economies, being resilient to climate change and addressing justice, equity and inclusion.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Welch, Council Member Muhammad, Rep. Michele Reyner-Goolsby’s office, and Duke Energy Foundation for taking the time to visit and witness firsthand the impact of our work in St. Petersburg,” said Jerry Mason, Board President for RTTB. “Their presence not only validates our efforts but also demonstrates their unwavering commitment to understanding the needs of hardworking people like Ms. Allen. We are honored by their support and remain steadfast in our dedication to creating positive change and improving the lives of those we serve."
When our neighbors struggle to maintain their homes, the health and safety of our entire community are at risk. Repairs at Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay are offered at no cost to the homeowner. RTTB’s programs address the most urgent needs impacting the well-being of homeowners, their families, and our neighborhoods. These repairs include roof replacements, weatherization, HVAC, minor electrical repairs, and minor plumbing repairs.
About Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay & Central Florida
RTTB’s mission is “repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.” We achieve this by providing members of our shared communities with imperative home repairs, housing, education, and other forms of assistance free of cost, bringing their homes to not just a habitable state but one that is safe and healthy and that they and their families can thrive in.
RTTB addresses critical issues such as leaking roofs, problematic ducts aggravating asthma symptoms in children, and installing safety features like grab bars for elderly residents. We also construct new homes, providing homeownership opportunities to those who may have never deemed it possible. Following Hurricane Ian, RTTB was designated the lead affiliate for statewide response and recovery efforts, extending our service area to heavily impacted communities in Southwest and Central Florida, where we assist the most vulnerable in repairing and rebuilding.
Find more information at www.rttb.org. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Media contact for Duke Energy: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS
Media contact for Rebuilding Together: RaeChelle Davis
Email: rdavis@catalystcommunicationsgroup.com