Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students helped local South Bend families in River Park during the annual Rebuilding Together project Saturday.
Saint Mary's sponsored two homes for the project, one at 701 S. 34th St. and the other at 703 S. 36th St. The bulk of the 40 Saint Mary's students worked at the 34th St. home, where they scraped and painted the garage and foundation, painted the interior basement foundation walls and exterior siding, did yard work and cleaned and organized the basement. Local union workers did plumbing, electrical and window repairs.
"All of the houses are in need of cosmetic work such as painting and home improvement, but it is all a matter of degree: some are more in need of interior repairs while others are in need of exterior," said Carrie Call, the director for the Office of Civil and Social Engagement at Saint Mary's.
Brenda, the owner of the house, is a single mother with two children.
"Her son, Seth, was handing out bottled water to the workers outside, and she was very involved with the projects," Saint Mary's junior Rachel Eisterhold said. "This opportunity lets you see that something is going on outside of campus and you are given an opportunity to get involved with the community, and it is an awesome feeling."
