Restoring homes and repairing lives in Muscatine County

Rebuilding Together Muscatine County is working to support homeowners with low income

through free home repairs and community partnerships.

Homeownership is a symbol of safety, stability and family life. However, for a growing number of
Muscatine County residents, necessary home repairs have become financially out of reach,
forcing community members to live in unsafe, unhealthy, or inaccessible conditions.
Rebuilding Together Muscatine County (RTMC) exists to change that with the core belief that
neighbors should help neighbors. The organization provides essential repairs and additions at
no cost to help homeowners remain safe, warm and independent in their home.
Rising material and labor costs, and limited access to financial resources have placed
thousands of families one broken step, leak or failed furnace away from crisis. Recipients of
rebuilding services include those with a disability, the elderly, at risk families, veterans and
active-duty military members.

As part of the nationwide network of Rebuilding Together non-profit groups, RTMC uses the
generosity of donors and volunteers to help homeowners with low income live with a little less
burden.

In Muscatine County services primarily benefit those wanting to age safely and comfortably in
their home. Installing ramps to help residents enter and exit safely is a frequent service they
provide.

Muscatine County resident Betty Bunn, 93, said she is trying hard to stay in her home because
the financial burden of moving into assisted living would be too much for her and her family.
However, with steep steps out front, her risk of falling became severe. After reaching out to
RTMC, Bunn received a ramp outside her home at no cost that allows her to live independently.
“The ramp has made a world of difference in my life, because I can't afford to go into assisted
living. It's so expensive. It just really, I figure, saved my life,” she said.
Many older adults own their homes outright but live on fixed incomes that cannot stretch to
cover necessary accessibility updates and essential repairs. These challenges extend beyond
physical safety.

By addressing urgent and long-term repair needs, homeowners can remain safely housed while
protecting the equity and stability their homes represent. Rebuilding doesn’t just repair
structures — it preserves dignity, protects community roots and protects families'; futures.
Community member Brian Painter has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which causes
difficulties walking. As his condition has worsened, walking has become more difficult, and he
now relies on a mechanical wheelchair and lives on a fixed income. He reached out to RTMC

and was approved to have a ramp and porch installed at his home. He said this allows him to
leave without having to wait for aid.
“Now I have the ability, if I need, to just go check the mail. I can take my wheelchair out and go
down the ramp. No problem,” Painter said, “Last year when I went to vote, my voting place was
probably about four blocks away and I was able to use my wheelchair to go vote.”

Lonnie Carter also benefited from RTMC’s services. He reached out to RTMC after a neighbor,
who had worked with the organization previously, saw he and his wife's need for a ramp.
Carter’s wife Betty suffered a stroke that impacted her mobility and with steps outside their
home Carter only wanted a way for her to see the sun.
“(RTMC) was wonderful to work with. And the material is just beautiful. It's so nice and level,”
Carter said, “We don't get out that much, but, you know, I try. Using this ramp has been a
blessing for her. We can transport her in and out, and I don't know what we'd do without it.”
Carter said he now has neighbors come by and comment on the beauty of the ramp and
express interest of their own. He said he happily passes the praises to RTMC.

Safe, healthy housing also reduces strain on public systems. Home repairs and accessibility
modifications help prevent falls, reduce emergency room visits and decrease reliance on long-
term care facilities. As a result, Medicare and Medicaid costs decline due to fewer
hospitalizations and less exposure to environmental hazards like mold and lead, and reduced
stress-related health conditions.

Neighborhoods benefit, too. Well-maintained homes improve property values, and homeowner
pride. A repaired home becomes a visible reminder of what is possible when a community
invests in one another.
By transforming homes today, Rebuilding Together Muscatine is helping secure a healthier,
safer and more resilient future for residents and the broader community, made possible through
a powerful network of volunteers, donors, tradespeople and community organizations. From
high school groups and faith communities to local businesses and civic clubs, volunteers bring
time, talent and heart to each project.

Rebuilding Together Muscatine County invites the community to be part of this mission.
Whether by donating materials or funds, volunteering at a build day, sponsoring a project or
referring a homeowner in need.

Because everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to call home, and when neighbors help
neighbors, they rebuild more than homes. They rebuild lives.

Rebuilding Together is the leading national nonprofit organization whose mission is Repairing
homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.

Making a lasting impact in our community!

Helping Muscatine County Residents Find Peace at Home

Accessing every part of one’s home is something most take for granted. When repairs
or additions are needed, most homeowners can do the work themselves or know
someone that can help. For others, limited resources leave them living in potentially
unsafe or inaccessible conditions, creating frustration, fear and isolation. That is why
Rebuilding Together Muscatine County (RTMC) partners with the community to ease the
burden and provide residents with comfort and safety in their own home.
RTMC provides essential repairs at no cost, helping residents remain safe, warm and
independent in their homes.

Many individuals facing challenges with these needs don’t have the financial resources
to keep up with rising material and labor costs. That’s when RTMC steps in. Recipients
include older adults, people with disabilities, at-risk families, veteran and active-duty
military members.
RTMC relies on donor support and volunteers to fund repairs for homeowners who lack
the financial resources to make them on their own.

Below are a few recent stories of the important work being done by RTMC right here in Muscatine

The last thing someone wants to worry about while recovering from a serious illness is
how they will get into their own home. Muscatine County resident Robert Chrz was
recovering from a foot infection that left him completely non-weight-bearing during the
early stages of his long recovery. While still in the hospital, he urgently needed to figure
out how he would get into his home. With steps leading to the door of his home, he
needed a way to get inside.
“I was impressed by how quickly they could get it done for me so I could get back in my
house,” Chrz said. “Otherwise, I would have had to stay in the hospital until I was fully
recovered.”
RTMC worked quickly to install a ramp during Chrz’s recovery. After spending a month
in the hospital, Chrz was ready to return home.
“From the time I called them to the time they installed it, the process took less than a
week, which really impressed me,” he said.
While he knows his situation is temporary, recovery remains a long road for Chrz. By
acting quickly, RTMC was able to install a ramp to him at no cost, easing his recovery
and helping him heal safely at home.

Helping residents in need is key to RTMC’s mission. Cintha Corrales, a senior citizen
living on her own, discovered significant structural issues in her home that she didn’t
know how to address. Facing multiple concerns — including water damage — Corrales
turned to RTMC for repairs to her bathroom, living room, roof and kitchen.

“It would be ice cold in my kitchen on the floor because it wasn’t insulated right,” said
Corrales. “I could hardly use the kitchen because of it.”
It also was discovered that her bathtub was leaking, leaving floors wet and
water dripping into the living room below. Due to these issues, a large portion of her
house was unlivable.
After insulation was added to her kitchen, repairs were made to the living room and
bathroom, and a sliding glass door was installed on her porch. Now, Corrales doesn’t
have to worry any more about those issues.
“I don’t have anyone else besides my daughter who has cerebral palsy,” CorraIes said.
“I appreciate everything Rebuilding Together Muscatine County has done. Now I can
use my home to its full potential.”
Having the repairs completed brought Corrales a large sense of relief, allowing her to
enjoy her home at no cost.
“It makes me feel good to know that RTMC can help people when they need it most,”
she said.

RTMC prides itself in helping community members when they need it most at no cost.
Support from local donors and volunteers makes that mission possible and allows the
organization to make a meaningful difference in residents’ lives.
To keep services free for recipients, RTMC relies on donations and is grateful to
community members who continue to support its mission and make a difference.
Rebuilding Together is the leading national nonprofit organization whose mission is
Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.