At 123 years old, the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home is ready for a construction nip and tuck.
On Saturday, volunteers will rehab two 1960s-style cottages that will be used for a new independent-living program at the Fairburn Road nonprofit, which provides residency for neglected, abandoned and abused youth.
Executive Director Evelyn Lavizzo said a dozen young men and women, ages 18-24 will live in the two houses. "We'll make sure they're learning the social and adaptive behavior skills needed to succeed."
The cottages have had basic updates but this is the first significant renovation.
The nonprofit has faced tough times before. Government reimbursements dropped as fewer children lived at the home. Lavizzo said the facility cut staff and expenses. The independent-living program, which still must get state approval, will help diversify its programs. About 15 children, ranging in age from 13 to 18, live at the home
Volunteers will include home construction charity Rebuilding Together, along with sponsoring organization CNA, an insurance company, and members of the several construction trade associations.
During this one-day blitz, volunteers will paint, upgrade electricity, provide new roofing and landscaping and remodel common areas.
The project occurs the same weekend as the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"I felt it was important to honor his legacy through this act of volunteerism in his home city of Atlanta," said Gary A. Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "I also felt that we had to find a facility that has deep historic ties to the African-American community."
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