National Rebuilding Day: Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago provides free home repairs in Cook County

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago made home repairs and modifications to more than 60 homes in a single day.

ABC7 spoke with homeowners who were getting help on Saturday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago partnered with volunteers and skill trade unions to make life-changing free home repairs across Cook County. It was all part of National Rebuilding Day.

"We are working in 61 homes total between Chicago and Maywood," Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago CEO Wanda Ramirez said. "And all the repairs that are being done are focused on prioritizing warm, safe, and dry repairs for the homeowners and many of them are elderly seniors aging in place."

Angenette Smith has been living at her Austin home since 1985. Her home was in desperate need of repairs.

"Electrical, plumbing, flooring, ceiling, painting , the handicap stuff that I need for the bathroom," Smith said.

Smith says the free home improvements will make her life a little easier, and save her money on costly repairs.

"One ceiling fan is just 400 dollars to replace," Smith said. "Considering the price of the ceiling fan, there is so much money that I am saving."

Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago says they are accepting applications on a rolling basis for homeowners in need of repairs.

"There is such a big need especially here in Chicago and Cook County," Ramirez said. "Their families have grown up here. Their grandchildren are here. You know maintaining the stability of the neighborhood, of the community, of their housing stock so that they can own it and have it available for their next generations to come. That's what it's all about."