CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte nonprofit specializing in home repairs for neighbors in need is forced to pause services after theft and vandalism at its office early Sunday morning.
Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte (RTGC) said that around 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, video surveillance shows a black car pull onto the property. The organization said whoever was inside smashed the windows on two of its service trucks and stole tools that are critical to the work it does in the community.
"These vans are the lifeline of RTGC’s mission to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives, as our construction team uses them to provide critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for neighbors in need in Greater Charlotte," the organization said in a statement. "Our services have been paused until we are able to restore the vans we use to serve the community."
RTGC is now hoping to raise $5,000 to replace its tools, repair its trucks, and add security cages to prevent further vehicle break-ins.
"These funds will restore our fleet, allow us to return to the community, and prevent these crimes from interrupting our services in the future."
As of Thursday evening, RTGC's fundraiser had raised nearly $1,500.
This is the second time thieves have hit the nonprofit in less than a year. In December 2022, someone drove off with the group's cargo trailer, which carried tools and materials necessary to complete home repairs. The crime happened around 11 a.m. on Christmas Day.
According to RTGC's mission statement, the group "mobilize[s] community volunteers and contractors to provide repairs that make homes safer and healthier for our neighbors in need. We also actively partner with other local organizations to connect the communities we serve with additional resources to meet their needs and help them create healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods. Our vision is safe homes and communities for everyone."
Contact Vanessa Ruffes at vruffes@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.