The Nudge Report (5/14/2021)
133 Days!
More than a third of the year has passed! We had some “BIG WINS” in the first several months. We scored a BIG win with National Rebuilding Day and are already planning our Fall Rebuilding Day. We secured another large ($25,000) operating grant from the Constance and Card Ferris Family Foundation - they will be sending the check next week. And, we hired a construction manager! We’re on our way!
Other highlights from this week:
Rebuilding Together Kent County has been selected by local ACME store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag Program! For the month of June, Rebuilding Together Kent County will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag at the ACME store located at 711 Washington Avenue, Chestertown MD. Buy a couple of bags and give them to family members!
Maryland Affordable Housing Trust has signed our $75,000 Grant Agreement and we are now able to submit repair expenses for reimbursement! The deadline for using these funds is December 17, 2021.
Town Council Approves Task Force For Rescue Plan Funds! (Whom can YOU nudge and suggest RTKC as a recipient?)
The Chestertown Town Council voted to form a task force to decide how the town will spend its $4.2 million share of the $589 million headed to Maryland municipalities under the American Rescue Plan Act that passed on March 11. The money can be used to help households, businesses and nonprofits. READ the complete story > HERE.
2021 Maryland Charity Campaign
We have been approved to participate in the 2021 Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC), the State’s workplace giving program! The MCC offers State employees and eligible retirees the opportunity to support pre-approved charities via payroll deductions or one-time contributions.
[Re]Visit Initiative Update
My original intention was to reach out to 100 neighbors, contractors, volunteers and donors to understand a bit better about our impact. I really have been just focusing on our neighbors. My learnings so far… We need to do a better job of “interviewing” our neighbors that apply for services. We need to understand their unique situation. I’m not suggesting that we “interrogate” them - just that we have an extended conversation - ideally, in person - and get a good grasp of how we could make their environment safer and healthier. Also, an extended discussion may allow us to see where we might help them out in contacting other social services.
In many of these instances, small repairs may make a huge difference. We might be able to use volunteers to address some of the smaller issues that are mentioned. Often, people only put the BIG repair items on their applications… most ignore railings, lighting, or other beneficial, yet inexpensive home modifications.
Our newly adopted Strategic Plan addresses many of these aspirations. Now that we have the “green light” on the MAHT funds, we’ll be moving ahead with completing the USDA repairs and getting estimates for the other neighbors we’ve identified.
- Wayne
SAVE the DATE! Fall Rebuilding Day - September 25th!
Rebuilding Together Kent County is the most impactful nonprofit in Kent County!
Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. Safe homes and communities for everyone.
…ending substandard housing in our community!