Rebuilding Together began with a small group of founding affiliates more than 30 years ago. In 1988, the National Headquarters opened its doors in Washington, DC. Today, the Affiliate Network has completed more than 100,000 homes across the nation, and delivered over one billion dollars in market value with the help of 2.5 million volunteers.
Rebuilding Together Acadiana began in 1998 as an affiliate of the Christmas in April program, which was the name Rebuilding Together used until 2001. Today, RTA serves four parishes in Southern Louisiana, with the help of hundreds of local and out-of-state volunteers.
Our Timeline:
1973 Work begins on a Community Improvement project in Midland, Texas, soon dubbed “Christmas in April” by a delighted homeowner.
1982 Founder Bobby Trimble earns President Reagan’s “Volunteer in Action” Award.
1988 Christmas in April USA is incorporated.
1998 Christmas in April Acadiana becomes one of more than 235 affiliates of the national group.
2001 A name change to “Rebuilding Together” reflects an expanded mission and year-round service. Rebuilding Together Acadiana expands into Iberia, Saint Landry and Saint Martin parishes.
2004 RTA expands into Saint Mary Parish.
2005 Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, RTA takes a leadership role in disaster recovery and expands into Vermilion parish.
2006 RTA reaches the benchmark of its 500th home renovation project and initiates the Ramps and Rails program, which provides elderly or disabled, low-income homeowners with ramps for safe home access and railings for fall prevention.
2009 RTA is augmented by a full-time AmeriCorps program called CapacityCorps, providing two members each year to focus on expanding the reach of our programs.
2011 RTA’s Hurricane Response program completes its 200th home rebuild.
