Gulfport Homeowners Thankful for Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

"I know this is an answer to my prayer," Dorothy Everett said as volunteers and organizers reviewed her Gulfport home in preparation of National Rebuild Day on Saturday, April 28.

Everett and her husband Walter moved to Gulfport in 1986 and since then she's opened her doors to anyone in need. Everett describes a memorable Thanksgiving with more than 100 guests at her home on 13th Ave S. She and her husband helped raise their children and their children's children and even after Walter passed in 2004 from cancer, Dorothy's faith and generosity never faltered.

"If I had to go back, I wouldn't change a thing," Everett said.

Over the years, Everett's raised 20 children, including step-children, extended family members and teen sisters that needed a safe place to call home. "I didn't want them separated," Everett said.

It seems as though Everett seldom says "no" when someone needs help. That's why when she received word that officials with Rebuilding Tampa Bay wanted to help her, she says God answered her prayers.

"It didn't have to be me," Everett said.

Everett is one of four Gulfport homeowners' receiving home repairs this Saturday as part of the city's first Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay event.

She applied for the program after hearing about rebuilding efforts in St. Petersburg. She's worked with Pinellas County Headstart for the past 28 years and says she cannot afford the repairs. One bedroom has a whole in the ceiling, doors and windows are cracked and her fence is deteriorating.

Mario Farias with Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay says three of the four homes will receive new roofs, including Everett. "This is why we do this. To give back, to help," Farias said.

Just down the street, 71-year-old Eileen Hilliard will also receive a new roof. It will replace three layers of shingles that she didn't know about currently on top of her home.

"If it weren't for this, I wouldn't be able to keep my house," Hilliard said.

Hilliard says it would have cost at least $3,000 to $4,000 to fix her roof. Other improvements by volunteers include new doors and repairs to her air conditioning unit.

"This is marvelous. Everyone's always willing to do a little extra," Hilliard said.

Hilliard is retired and has lived in Gulfport for 12 years. Hilliard uses a wheelchair to get around her home; she suffers from gout and arthritis, and has a broken leg. She spends her free time crocheting hats year-round.

"I can do up to 3 a day," she said.

Every year, Hilliard crochets winter hats and donates them to the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving. She's grateful to be on the receiving end of someone else's kindness and goodwill.

How you can help:

Rebulding Together Tampa Bay is this Saturday, April 28, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Zoomers Auto Body Shop at 4919 Tangerine Ave in Gulfport. Volunteers are needed to paint and landscape four homes located on 13th Ave S. and York St. Volunteers are advised to bring their own gloves and hand tools for yard work.

Those interested in coming out are encouraged to register online. This will also give organizers an idea of how many people to expect. Breakfast will be provided.

Go to the Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay website and click "volunteer" under National Rebuild Day 2012 in St. Petersburg and Gulfport.

Several organizations are participating including SO49 and Gulfport Teen Council, Gulfport Neighbors and the Gulfport Police Department. If you have questions concerning this event, please contact Jeri Reed at 727-327-3509.