Greetings!

As the leaves start turning and we welcome the fall season, it’s also a reminder to think about fall safety—especially for older adults in our community.

A single fall can have serious consequences, leading to injuries like hip fractures or traumatic brain injuries, and often reducing independence. Nationwide, falls result in nearly 950,000 hospitalizations each year and cost an estimated $51 billion in health care expenses.

At Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church, we’re taking action. Preventing falls is a core part of our work. Through home modifications like grab bars, stair railings, improved lighting, and other safety upgrades, we help our neighbors live safely and confidently in their own homes.

If you’re interested in learning more about falls prevention, the National Council on Aging and the NOVA Falls Prevention Alliance offer excellent virtual and in-person programs, tips, and resources.

Together, we can help keep our older neighbors safe and independent—this fall and every season.

#WeAreRebuilders

For more than three decades, Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) has been one of RT-AFF's most steadfast partners. Since 1990, ACCA volunteers have repaired 134 homes, contributed over 4,300 hours of service, and provided generous financial support—including funds for our Rebuilding Together Express program, which delivers about 40 common repairs and modifications. Together, we’ve helped hundreds of neighbors live more safely and independently in their own homes.

This year was no exception. On National Rebuilding Day, ACCA teams repaired two homes.

At the home of a single mother and special education teacher—who is disabled and a living organ donor—volunteers built handrails for two sets of exterior steps, repaired a storm door, fixed a closet shelf and rod, and completed kitchen and other repairs. This team included volunteers from Ravensworth Baptist, John Calvin Presbyterian, and Providence Presbyterian churches. Lunch was provided by Queen of Apostles Catholic Women’s Group. (team photo at left, and first line of photos below)

At the home of a retired mechanic and small business owner, ACCA volunteers painted a large shed, repaired foundation mortar, replaced window trim, installed a new toilet, and completed other repairs. The team included volunteers from St. Barnabas’ Episcopal and Annandale United Methodist churches. Lunch was provided by Lincolnia United Methodist Women. (team photo at right and second line of photos below)

Year after year, ACCA not only funds repairs but also rolls up its sleeves to do the work, bringing together volunteers from multiple congregations. We're deeply grateful for their unwavering partnership and the impact they’ve made—ensuring that our neighbors can live safely and with dignity in the homes they love.

More photos of our partners at work on National Rebuilding Day are on our Flickr.

This month we continue our series celebrating the dedicated Rebuilding Together volunteer Team Leaders and hands-on volunteers, who come from all walks of life—engineering, construction, government, diplomacy, the military, and more.

The profiles are written by Leon Rubis, a retired journalist and editor who started volunteering with us in 2021. A long-time DIYer, in addition to making repairs and modifications with us as part of the RT Express program, Leon is now using his writing skills to spotlight the amazing people who make our work possible.

Team Leader Profile: Engineering Solutions and Inspired Service - Bard Jackson's Volunteer Story

From working on electric cooperatives in Brazil with the Peace Corps to developing hydroelectric plants in Costa Rica, Bard's career has powered rural development across continents and the US. After retiring in 2014, he joined our volunteer ranks through his church-and the next year, he became a founding Team Leader with our Rebuilding Together Express (RTX) program. He leads our volunteer teams with the same dedication and expertise that defined his professional life, and shares a kind and gentle approach with every homeowner he assists.

read more......

Doers Profiles

Leon Rubis coined the name “Doers Profiles” as a playful nod to the iconic Dewar’s Profiles ads of the 1980's. We'll be highlighting our volunteers in our newsletters and on our website by sharing their answers from a curated list of 14 questions—ranging from favorite learning moments to memorable blunders made on their own projects, and hobbies or other volunteer work. Leon gathers these insights to help us get to know the dedicated individuals who make our mission possible.

This month, learn about Chris Loda’s ambitious home remodeling project, Pat Hupalo’s tips for do-it-yourselfers, and Scott Campell’s Ski Patrol work by clicking here.

Chris Loda - electrical pro and ambitious remodeler

Pat Hupalo - grab bar pro and dedicated office volunteer

Scott Campbell - cannons, avalanches and carpentry!

Imagine having to choose between buying medicine or paying for a plumber. Putting food on the table or fixing gutters that flood the basement every time it rains. These are the harsh realities our neighbors in need face every day.

But together, we can change that. Your donation to Rebuilding Together-AFF provides essential, free home repairs and modifications—so families and older adults don’t have to sacrifice their health or safety to make ends meet.

Please give today. Every gift helps create a safer, healthier home—and a better future.

Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church

Phone 703.528.1999 | Fax 703.528.1197

info@rebuildingtogether-aff.org | www.rebuildingtogether-aff.org