Project H.E.R.O. FAQ's

What is Project H.E.R.O.?

Project H.E.R.O. (Homes Eliminated of Restrictions and Obstacles) is an innovative program with the goal to improve the lives of disabled veterans across the United States by combining the volunteer spirit and expertise of the International Code Council (ICC) and International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) with the home rehabilitation expertise of Rebuilding Together and its dedicated Veterans Services Department. The original project goal to make homes accessible, one veteran at a time, is still the overriding objective.

When did the ICC Foundation launch Project H.E.R.O?

ICCF created the original H.E.R.O. initiative in 2006. The new program approach will begin on September 15, 2008.

Why did the ICC Foundation move Project H.E.R.O to Rebuilding Together (RT)?

ICC member support and interest for H.E.R.O. is steadfastly positive, however; widespread implementation of the program is difficult without operational support in local communities to 1) locate and identify qualified veterans/beneficiaries; 2) manage the fundraising and other necessary administrative tasks; and 3) create widespread project activity nationally that allows ICC members to get involved and volunteer on a frequent basis.

What is Rebuilding Together and why was the organization chosen as partner for Project H.E.R.O.?

Rebuilding Together is a 20 year old, national nonprofit with a network of nearly 225 affiliates across the United States with the mission to preserve affordable housing by bringing volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners.

Rebuilding Together targets their programs to the 24-million low-income homeowners in America, as they are aware that this number is predicted to grow to 28.5 million by 2010. They recognize that more and more families are placed in the position of choosing between vital necessities over essential home repairs and modifications.

Rebuilding Together believes that our nation�s veterans who return with disabilities deserve a helping hand so they may return to their own homes in basic comfort, and they have a dedicated Veterans Department to specifically support those efforts.

Rebuilding Together uses a similar program approach with Sears and its Heroes at Home initiative. This successful joint work between Rebuilding Together and Sears is one of the reasons that ICCF is confident of this new approach.

How will the new Project H.E.R.O. initiative work with Rebuilding Together, ICC and ICCF?

ICC, ICCF and Rebuilding Together have executed an agreement to accomplish the following:

• RT will provide project management, oversight and veteran identification and selection services via its network of 225 affiliates while preserving the Project H.E.R.O. brand; and,
• ICCF will connect ICC volunteers with RT to accomplish local service, fundraising and project opportunities;
• ICCF will donate $50,000 to jump start up to the first five (5) projects.

Who will identify recipients for Project H.E.R.O?

RT together will locate, screen and select the recipients for Project H.E.R.O. as this was a major challenge in the prior version of the program. This will serve as an essential improvement to the program and enable more widespread activity. RT will use its established system for identification selection of program beneficiaries on a local, case by case basis keeping in mind that the Project H.E.R.O. program is specifically targeted to Veterans. Existing, in-place projects will not be affected by this selection approach unless they need assistance with finding a qualified recipient.

How can I participate in Project H.E.R.O., who can I contact and when will Rebuilding Together start accepting applications for the program?

Vanessa Georgeson
Program Manager, Veterans Housing
Rebuilding Together
1899 L Street, NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 1.800.473.4229
Fax: 202.483.9081

T.J. Cantwell and Vanessa Georgeson will be leading the Rebuilding Together/Project H.E.R.O. team and will serve as the national points of contact to link ICC members, chapters and RT local affiliates. They will be available for inquiries as of September 15, 2008. The ICCF contact will be Leslie Chapman-Henderson and Sarah Murphy Chason at (888) 422-7233, ext. 4223. RT will identify beneficiaries so all applicants and interested parties should direct their requests to RT.

How will the New Project H.E.R.O. be funded?

ICCF will make an initial $50,000 contribution to fund up to five new Project H.E.R.O. projects and local and national fundraising will resume immediately with the opportunity for donors to contribute to a dedicated H.E.R.O. fund now established at Rebuilding Together. Click here to make a donation.

Will Project H.E.R.O still be identified as an ICC Foundation initiative?

Yes, the initiative will remain a branded, ICC and ICCF initiative with appropriate co-branding for Rebuilding Together.

How can I learn more about Rebuilding Together?

www.rebuildingtogether.org