Numero Uno

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County Finishes First in Nationwide Vote

SARATOGA COUNTY – It’s a landslide!
When Rebuilding Together Saratoga County’s (RTSC) Executive Director Michelle Larkin learned that her organization was one of only 25 Rebuilding Together affiliates nominated for eligibility in Sears’ “Operation Rebuild for Heroes at Home,” she certainly was happy. Being a finalist meant that RTSC would receive at least $6,000 for their project to help refurbish Guardian House, the veteran’s homeless shelter for women in Ballston Spa.

So you can imagine her reaction when she learned that RTSC finished number one in “Operation Rebuild’s” nationwide voting contest. “I’m ecstatic!” she said. Over the past month, Facebook users were asked to vote for the Rebuilding Together affiliate program that they believed was the most deserving each day. Visitors to the Sears Facebook page could read the stories behind each grant application and then vote for their favorite. Based on the final vote totals, Sears would award a total of $250,000 to 25 organizations and worthy projects. Officially, RTSC received a staggering 12 percent of the total votes cast, a number that is even more impressive when you consider that they were up against projects in major population markets such as Washington, D.C. As the nation’s top finisher, RTSC will receive the largest grant of the 25 finalists – $20,000. “We obviously got a tremendous response,” Ms. Larkin said, “and it’s certainly for a cause that people can rally around.”

The Guardian House is a transitional housing facility that provides assistance and resources for homeless female veterans, many of whom suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, sexual abuse and other issues that stem from combat experiences. “Ultimately this is a tribute to the neighborly commitment and volunteerism of our local Rebuilding Together community and our community as a whole. It’s not the easiest thing to do – to have the dedication to vote every day. We are so grateful to everyone who voted for us,” Ms. Larkin said That dedication was also recognized by Monica Woo, vice president and CMO for Sears in officially announcing the award to RTSC on October 5. “Operation Rebuild for Heroes at Home is one of the many programs that make it possible for Sears to support and give back to the military members that selflessly protect our country each day,” she said. “We are honored to be able to help so many local communities and help our military members like those at the Guardian House.” 

The original plan called for the complete renovation of Guardian House’s community room from floor to ceiling, insulation to windows. “Now, as the highest finisher, we can afford to do so much more with the money,” Ms. Larkin said. Because the news about finishing first is so recent, many possibilities are still being considered to put the extra funds to use. “At this point, in addition to the community room, we are definitely going to be putting in a wheelchair access ramp,” Ms. Larkin said, “we are also certainly going to replace even more windows outside the community room, which is a critical need.” It won’t take long to see the money put to good use. “We are planning to begin the community room project on October 15,” Ms. Larkin said, “and our goal is ambitious – we hope to complete that project by October 22.”
That would be called shovel-ready, folks. Look for some photos of the finished product later this month. And, of course, RTSC always welcomes volunteers, skilled labor and materials donations. To get involved, visit www.RebuildingTogetherSaratoga.org, or email Michelle Larkin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it