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Help On The Way For Homeowners

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: October 22, 2008

WEST TAMPA - Jenny Game's home has foundation problems, a wall is detaching from a rear bedroom and the electrical needs rewiring. On top of that, her electric bill is more than $300 a month.

But help is on the way.

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay has selected her home as one of 15 it will rehabilitate in West Tampa.

The nonprofit organization, which has partnered with the National Football League and the West Tampa Chamber of Commerce, hopes to complete the improvements Jan. 30, when an estimated 500 volunteers will participate in Kickoff to Rebuild.

"It's something very, very nice," said Game, who is unemployed and lives with her adult son and daughter. "I'm very grateful."

The Washington-based Rebuilding Together has done home rehabilitations in Super Bowl host cities for the past 14 years. Super Bowl XLIII will be played Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium, not too far from Game's four-bedroom home.

Jose Garcia, executive director of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, said the organization estimates spending $150,000 to improve homes in Old West Tampa.

The homes will get exterior painting and landscaping, and will be evaluated for needs.

The organization's goal is to make homes safer and more energy efficient, spokeswoman Olga Gonzalez said. To qualify for the free program, applicants must be low-income homeowners. The organization also tries to assist people with disabilities.

In conjunction with the project, Hillsborough County announced it will enhance crosswalks at seven West Tampa intersections and add 83 on-street parking spaces. The crosswalks are at Union, Spruce, Cherry and Beach streets on Howard Avenue, and at Pine, Beach and Spruce streets on Armenia Avenue.

Labor costs are estimated at $175,000, and the county hopes materials will be donated, County Administrator Pat Bean said.

Work is expected to start this month and be completed before the Super Bowl.

As officials unveiled the projects Oct. 14, West Tampa resident Joe Robinson stood on a nearby sidewalk in protest.

Robinson said he's disappointed that Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay and the chamber didn't ask the black community for input on the home improvement plans.

"I thought the chamber worked with the community," Robinson said.

Ed Turanchik, a West Tampa developer and the chamber's communication and marketing chairman, said the organization was just helping to get the ball rolling.

"I don't understand why you need permission to help people," he said.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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