Rebuilding Together team lends a hand in repairing Millerton residence

MILLERTON — Rebuilding Together Dutchess County (RTDC) volunteers had an ideal day to work on critical home improvements and repairs for two Dutchess County homeowners on Saturday, June 1.

In celebration of National Rebuilding Day last April, Rebuilding Together Dutchess County called volunteers to action for six projects across the county. As the timing didn’t work out for the projects in Millerton and Beacon in April, RTDC moved the date of the work to Saturday, June 1.

Located at 6 Smith Court in Millerton, RTDC Captain Scott Falabella led his team in completing major home repairs with help from ABC Supply Co. and A&T Ventures. Two weeks before the team came out to the Millerton residence, Falabella said RTDC visited the home to complete a few roof repairs, done through a donation of supplies by ABC Supply Co. and Lyndsey Roofing, LLC.

According to Rebuilding Together Dutchess County Executive Director Christina Boryk, the major work for the Millerton residence included replacing the entire roof; replacing the ceiling in two bedrooms, in the living room and in the hallway; painting all of the ceilings; replacing the bathroom flooring and installing a new small vanity; repairing any holes in the house’s siding; painting the house’s entire exterior; repairing the exterior attic louver vents; and installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire extinguisher and weather stripping and caulk where needed. 

Volunteers got a good start on the house by working on the damaged ceiling tiles, finishing the bathroom floor, painting the living room ceiling and putting new flooring in the bathroom. Come next week, they anticipate repainting the entire residence with help from a donation by Rider Painting. Given all of the work involved — including the roof and its modifications — Falabella estimated the project’s cost at around $20,000.

Having served as a team captain for RTDC projects for five years, Falabella said, “It’s the best way you can change someone’s life in a day… It’s cost free to the homeowner and it’s a change they wouldn’t be able to do themselves.”

“The most priceless thing is seeing their faces when we’re all done,” said volunteer Linda Maccabee, who is also an employee for ABC Supply.

“I love making a difference in people’s lives in one day: it’s a great way to give back to the community,” said Falabella’s wife, Samantha.

Applications for Rebuilding Day will be available this week at the Rebuilding Together Dutchess County website at www.rtdutchess.org. Individuals can also access the application by calling the Rebuilding Together Dutchess County office at 845-454-7310.