Ms. Blackburn

Neighborhood:  Northside

Years in her home:  4

Volunteer Team:  Mascaro

Sponsor:  Mascaro

Sandra Blackburn purchased her 1900 Northside row-house a little over four years ago hoping it would be a safe and comfortable home for her to spend the rest of her life. Unfortunately, like many low-income residents of Pittsburgh, the home she can afford hardly meets her growing needs.

Her front steps which are open to the hallway had now railing, posing a serious falling risk. The plaster in the living room was buckling and cracking from more than 100 years of settling, and her lights and outlets were hardly reliable due to her old fuse box.

When Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh was finished making the improvements to her home, Ms. Blackburn, who lives on less than $700 a month, was so thrilled that she purchased a cake to thank the volunteers!

Repairs Completed for Ms. Blackburn:

• Replaced fuse box with updated electrical service panel
• Installed handrail on the stairs
• Patched the living room walls
• Landscaped the front yard, including a small retaining wall
• Fresh paint throughout