Revitalize CDC Announces Expansion of Services into Paper City

HOLYOKE — Revitalize CDC, formerly Rebuilding Together Springfield, announced the expansion of its reach into Holyoke.

The organization, founded in 1992, has performed critical repairs, modifications, and rehabilitations on homes and nonprofit facilities since its inception. To date, these projects have always been geographically located in Springfield. Now, Revitalize CDC will also be able to serve low-income families with children, the elderly, military veterans, and people with disabilities in neighboring Holyoke.

“We are thrilled to welcome Revitalize CDC into the community,” said Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse. “On the heels of the remarkable projects they have achieved in Springfield, our residents are excited to roll up their sleeves and join them in helping those with need in our city.”

For more than two decades, Revitalize CDC has worked to stabilize Springfield neighborhoods, strengthen the tax base, and allow elderly homeowners to age in place. Last year was no different, as it rebuilt 53 Springfield homes.

“The first project Revitalize CDC will undertake in Holyoke is part of the organization’s JoinedForces initiative and will serve Air Force E4 veteran Scott Leary and his family,” said Collen Loveless, president and CEO. The home the Leary family lives in was built in 1901 by Scott’s great-grandfather, and has been in the family since that time. Scott shares the home with his wife, Jessica, and their three children, all under the age of 14. The family has struggled with many challenges, including Jessica’s permanent disability due to a back injury sustained working as an emergency medical technician and a child with autism.

“Their home is currently in desperate need of repairs,” Loveless continued, “and although they have been working tirelessly on it themselves, they are in need of help. Mr. Leary served our country from 1990 to 1996 in the Air Force, and now it is our chance to serve him in return.”