Restoring homes and repairing lives in Muscatine County
Rebuilding Together Muscatine County is working to support homeowners with low income
through free home repairs and community partnerships.
Homeownership is a symbol of safety, stability and family life. However, for a growing number of
Muscatine County residents, necessary home repairs have become financially out of reach,
forcing community members to live in unsafe, unhealthy, or inaccessible conditions.
Rebuilding Together Muscatine County (RTMC) exists to change that with the core belief that
neighbors should help neighbors. The organization provides essential repairs and additions at
no cost to help homeowners remain safe, warm and independent in their home.
Rising material and labor costs, and limited access to financial resources have placed
thousands of families one broken step, leak or failed furnace away from crisis. Recipients of
rebuilding services include those with a disability, the elderly, at risk families, veterans and
active-duty military members.
As part of the nationwide network of Rebuilding Together non-profit groups, RTMC uses the
generosity of donors and volunteers to help homeowners with low income live with a little less
burden.
In Muscatine County services primarily benefit those wanting to age safely and comfortably in
their home. Installing ramps to help residents enter and exit safely is a frequent service they
provide.
Muscatine County resident Betty Bunn, 93, said she is trying hard to stay in her home because
the financial burden of moving into assisted living would be too much for her and her family.
However, with steep steps out front, her risk of falling became severe. After reaching out to
RTMC, Bunn received a ramp outside her home at no cost that allows her to live independently.
“The ramp has made a world of difference in my life, because I can't afford to go into assisted
living. It's so expensive. It just really, I figure, saved my life,” she said.
Many older adults own their homes outright but live on fixed incomes that cannot stretch to
cover necessary accessibility updates and essential repairs. These challenges extend beyond
physical safety.
By addressing urgent and long-term repair needs, homeowners can remain safely housed while
protecting the equity and stability their homes represent. Rebuilding doesn’t just repair
structures — it preserves dignity, protects community roots and protects families'; futures.
Community member Brian Painter has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which causes
difficulties walking. As his condition has worsened, walking has become more difficult, and he
now relies on a mechanical wheelchair and lives on a fixed income. He reached out to RTMC
and was approved to have a ramp and porch installed at his home. He said this allows him to
leave without having to wait for aid.
“Now I have the ability, if I need, to just go check the mail. I can take my wheelchair out and go
down the ramp. No problem,” Painter said, “Last year when I went to vote, my voting place was
probably about four blocks away and I was able to use my wheelchair to go vote.”
Lonnie Carter also benefited from RTMC’s services. He reached out to RTMC after a neighbor,
who had worked with the organization previously, saw he and his wife's need for a ramp.
Carter’s wife Betty suffered a stroke that impacted her mobility and with steps outside their
home Carter only wanted a way for her to see the sun.
“(RTMC) was wonderful to work with. And the material is just beautiful. It's so nice and level,”
Carter said, “We don't get out that much, but, you know, I try. Using this ramp has been a
blessing for her. We can transport her in and out, and I don't know what we'd do without it.”
Carter said he now has neighbors come by and comment on the beauty of the ramp and
express interest of their own. He said he happily passes the praises to RTMC.
Safe, healthy housing also reduces strain on public systems. Home repairs and accessibility
modifications help prevent falls, reduce emergency room visits and decrease reliance on long-
term care facilities. As a result, Medicare and Medicaid costs decline due to fewer
hospitalizations and less exposure to environmental hazards like mold and lead, and reduced
stress-related health conditions.
Neighborhoods benefit, too. Well-maintained homes improve property values, and homeowner
pride. A repaired home becomes a visible reminder of what is possible when a community
invests in one another.
By transforming homes today, Rebuilding Together Muscatine is helping secure a healthier,
safer and more resilient future for residents and the broader community, made possible through
a powerful network of volunteers, donors, tradespeople and community organizations. From
high school groups and faith communities to local businesses and civic clubs, volunteers bring
time, talent and heart to each project.
Rebuilding Together Muscatine County invites the community to be part of this mission.
Whether by donating materials or funds, volunteering at a build day, sponsoring a project or
referring a homeowner in need.
Because everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to call home, and when neighbors help
neighbors, they rebuild more than homes. They rebuild lives.
Rebuilding Together is the leading national nonprofit organization whose mission is Repairing
homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.
Keeping neighbors safe and independent in the winter
As winter settles in Muscatine County, it brings more than just cold air and icy sidewalks; it also
delivers an added risk for many older homeowners. For residents already facing mobility
challenges, winter weather can make everyday tasks dangerous. Icy steps, uneven entryways
and aging structures become especially hazardous, often putting seniors at greater risk of falls,
injury or isolation.
Rebuilding Together Muscatine County (RTMC) is working to change that. Rooted in the belief
that neighbors should help neighbors, RTMC provides essential home repairs and accessibility
upgrades at no cost to homeowners. The organization hopes to help residents remain safe,
warm and independent in the homes they love, even during Iowa’s coldest months.
For older adults, navigating steps covered in snow or ice can be nearly impossible. All it takes is
one slip to cause serious injury, potentially forcing a homeowner out of their home altogether.
Muscatine County resident Beth Calcott had a ramp installed at her home by RTMC in hopes
that she would be able to get out of her house safely year-round.
“I have severe arthritis in the back and a degenerative spine that's pinching a nerve, and so it's
just difficult to go up and down stairs. I have one of those roller walkers that now I can just walk
right down the ramp with no problem at all,” said Calcott.
Ramps are the most frequent and impactful services RTMC provides. They allow homeowners
with mobility concerns to move freely and independently, ensuring they can reach medical
appointments, maintain social connections and access necessities.
Unlike steps, ramps can be cleared more easily, provide better traction and reduce the risk of
falls. For some homeowners, receiving a ramp means they no longer have to rely on others to
enter or exit their home, preventing them from being stuck inside for months during the winter.
As part of a nationwide network of Rebuilding Together nonprofits, RTMC relies on the
generosity of donors, volunteers and community partners who believe in supporting their
neighbors.
Each repair, ramp build and winter safety improvement is made possible because community
members choose to make a difference.
This winter, RTMC invites the community to help protect and uplift their neighbors in need.
Whether by donating, volunteering or sharing the organization’s mission, every contribution
helps a Muscatine County resident live more safely and independently.
Rebuilding Together is the leading national nonprofit organization whose mission is Repairing
homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.
