Rebuilding Together Opens Rum Village Repair Applications
Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County is accepting applications for free home repairs for eligible South Bend homeowners in the Rum Village neighborhood.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Home Repair
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Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County has opened applications for its 2027 free home repair program for homeowners in the Rum Village neighborhood of South Bend. Applications and all required documents are due November 16, 2026, and funding is limited, so not all applicants will receive assistance.
Why it matters
The program gives eligible South Bend homeowners, particularly elderly, veteran and disabled residents, access to no-cost repairs on homes that might otherwise go unfixed. Its limited funding and strict eligibility rules mean residents who want to apply should review requirements before the deadline.
Applications and documents are due November 16, 2026, and repairs will be completed on two Saturdays in April 2027 with more than 500 expected volunteers. The total number of homes that will be served and the amount of available funding were not disclosed.
The players
Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County
A local nonprofit affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together network that organizes volunteer-powered home repairs for low-income homeowners in St. Joseph County.
The details
Eligible homeowners must live within the program's targeted Rum Village boundaries, meet federal household income limits, and not own rental properties. Possible repairs include roof and gutter work, water heater or furnace repair, plumbing, electrical work and handyman fixes, at no cost to homeowners.
Timeline
Nov. 16, 2026: Deadline to submit applications and required documents
April 2027: Repair work completed on two Saturdays
April 24, 2027: Community Volunteer Day for repairs
Roadmap
The program follows the national Rebuilding Together model, which pairs volunteer labor with free repairs for elderly, veteran and disabled homeowners. Its focus on targeted neighborhoods like Rum Village reflects that network's approach of concentrating volunteer effort in defined areas.
Eligible South Bend homeowners can apply for free roof, plumbing, electrical, heating or handyman repairs, though funding is limited. Homeowners who rent their property or live outside the Rum Village boundaries are not eligible.
The takeaway
Homeowners who think they may qualify should gather their income documents and confirm their address is inside the Rum Village boundaries before November 16. Applying early improves the chance of being considered while funding remains available.
What happens next
Applications and all required documents are due November 16, 2026, and two repair Saturdays are scheduled for April 2027, with a Community Volunteer Day on April 24, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more home repair guides for South Bend homeowners.
More information
Apply and view the eligibility map for the free home repair program on the Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Bend Tribune.
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