In a season of giving, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) celebrates the lives we’ve touched and the transformations we are making possible. Our everyday goal to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives is brought to life by stories of resilience and hope from homeowners like Mary Birdsong, Vindinna Gilmore, and Wanda Griffin.
A Lifelong Dedication to Serving
For Mary Birdsong, her home has been a cornerstone of her life since father built it in 1953. Her home is known to family members as “Pat’s House”, in honor of her mother’s first name. Now, a retired registered nurse and active church member, Mary has always prioritized helping others.
However, recent hurricanes, including Ian, Helene, and Milton, left her feeling overwhelmed as her home sustained significant damage to its roof and interior floors.
RTTB stepped in to restore Mary’s home, replacing her roof, repairing water-damaged flooring in the kitchen and living room, and installing a new bathroom toilet for improved accessibility.
These renovations have allowed Mary to once again find comfort and stability in her beloved home. She is already planning out her holiday schedule, excited to attend a big Christmas party with her friends and family!
A Pillar of Hope
Vindinna Gilmore’s journey as a homeowner began in 1990, when she purchased her house while working as a cashier clerk at a local 7-Eleven. Over the years, Vindinna’s determination and work ethic led her to transportation and education roles, where she has served as a Media Tech at McIntosh Middle School for the past eight years.
Vindinna’s home became a place of healing and care when her brother Fred moved in after retiring from a 28-year career at Booker High School, where he made a lasting impact as the head varsity football coach. When Fred’s health began to decline due to diabetes, Vindinna stepped up as his caregiver, managing his condition with unwavering dedication. Her home was recently featured on Good Morning America as part of their "Groups on the ground" segment during the rough hurricane season.
RTTB is in the process of replacing Ms. Gilmore’s roof, installing a new HVAC system and securing her drywall in certain areas, ensuring her home remains safe and functional. We are proud to support Vindinna, whose selflessness embodies the spirit of community. The RTTB team aims to honor her contributions to their family and neighborhood.
A Legacy of Compassion
Wanda Griffin’s home in Orlando, Florida, carries deep familial significance. Passed down from her mother, it now serves as a sanctuary for Wanda and her grandson.
Wanda, a retired woman living with diabetes and limited mobility, took in her grandson after he tragically lost his parents. While Wanda prefers to keep details about her grandson private, it is clear that their bond is a source of strength in their lives.
Recognizing Wanda’s need for a safe and accessible home, RTTB made significant improvements to her bathroom, converting her tub into a walk-in shower, installing a height-appropriate ADA-compliant toilet, and adding a new sink.
However, challenges remain. Wanda’s roof leaks, and RTTB is working to secure funding to replace it, ensuring her home remains a stable and secure haven for her and her grandson.
Sharing A Vision of Restoration
A season of renewal offers hope to families and individuals who have endured the devastation of hurricane season. It’s a time to rebuild what was lost and restore a sense of safety and normalcy. For homeowners like Wanda, Vindinna, and Mary, these repairs are more than structural—they represent new beginnings and a renewed sense of security.
Your support is vital to making these transformations possible. As we continue our work, we invite you to join us in bringing hope and stability to those in need. Together, we can ensure this season of renewal becomes a reality for families across our communities.
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