(Tampa – January 23, 2009) On January 30, 1,500 volunteers from more than fifty corporations and organizations will bring about needed repairs to 20 homes in Historic Old West Tampa as part of Super Bowl NFL sanctioned event. Kickoff to Rebuild will focus on repairing these homes, making them safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Home repairs, all free to the homeowners, are well underway in several of the homes ranging from exterior landscaping to extensive structural repairs.

One of these homes however is an Extreme Rebuild.

Lucy Nieves, age 66, is a disabled widow who is raising four grandchildren. Mrs. Nieves is doing her best to raise and feed the boys on a fixed income and is unable to afford desperately needed repairs to her home.

Enter First Florida, one of the state’s leading housing contractors. Dana Teeter of First Florida came to Kickoff to Rebuild eager and ready to take on a project. The severity of the repairs were such that First Florida decided it would be better to demolish the structure and build Ms. Nieves a brand new home. Sensitive to Mrs. Nieves feelings and religious beliefs, Dana rebuilt the home to be a replica of Ms. Nieves old home right down to the special niche where she keeps a virgin and a candle lit to her deceased husband Ismael. Thanks First Florida, Ms. Nieves and her grandchildren will have a safer, healthier and more energy efficient home that will last them for generations to come.

Mrs. Nieves’ Home Blessed By Monsignor Higgins

On January 30, Mrs. Nieves will enjoy a day of renewal, a day of celebration, and most importantly a day of blessings. A devote Catholic, Mrs. Nieves will welcome Monsignor Laurence E. Higgins who will bestow a special blessing on Mrs. Nieves home. The blessing will take place at 9:30 a.m. and members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony. Monsignor Higgins is one of Tampa’s leading citizens and continues in his services toward improving the quality of life for many of Tampa’s residents.

For more information about this event or interview persons named in this press release, please contact Olga Gonzalez at 813-842-4306 or via email at ogonzalez@rttb.org.