Beyond providing affordable housing support services, Elizabeth Rust and the Regional Housing Services Office is passionate about giving back to the local community through volunteer work. RHSO works largely with Habitat for Humanity, a non profit organization that works with supporters and volunteers to build homes for individuals and families in need.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has grown to have over 1,400 local affiliates in the United States along with 70 national organizations spread all across the globe. Worldwide, volunteers like Elizabeth Rust and the team at the Regional Housing Services Office have helped 6.8 million people improve their living conditions.
One of the major programs run by Habitat for Humanity is the Critical Home Repair Program (CHR). The RHSO team has been an active volunteer in this program for many years. The CHR program is designed to help low-income homeowners who are struggling to properly maintain their homes due to age, disability, or family circumstances. The Habitat team works with these individuals and families to help them reclaim their homes while maintaining a sense of pride and dignity.
Critical Home Repair projects consist of extensive interior and exterior work that is intended to alleviate critical life, health, and safety issues along with any code violations. This work can include:
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Roof replacement and repairs
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Structural and finishing repairs for stairs, walls, ceilings, and floor system damage
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Repairs required to reinstate insurance or to satisfy code enforcement
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Renovations and upgrades to satisfy handicap accessibility and ADA requirements
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Energy efficiency renovations for doors, windows, and insulation
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Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC
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Exterior finishes including siding, trim, painting, and walkways
Building sustainable, energy-efficient, and healthy housing for local individuals and families with Habitat is just another way the RHSO helps and supports their community members. Elizabeth Rust takes great pride in housing services and what the RHSO team has accomplished so far for the communities in the greater Boston area. She looks forward to expanding her professional career with the housing authority while looking for new ways to give back to her local community in the future.
Follow Elizabeth Rust on Twitter the latest news about the affordable housing industry and new volunteer projects with Habitat for Humanity: https://twitter.com/elizabeth_rust_
