Mini Project # 1 - Mr. Romero

Happy New Year! Rebuilding Together Austin has some exciting news! Our very first workday is scheduled for Feb 8 & 9, 2014! We have a signed Affiliate Partnership Agreement from the national office as well as volunteer liability and directors and officers insurance. We are ready to get to work!

The homeowner we are honoring is Mr. Romero. He is an 81 year old Korean War Veteran. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Bernardo, his three brothers, and his parents moved to Austin in the early 1940's when his father took a job as a cook at the Greyhound Bus Station.



Young Bernardo enlisted in the Army after high school, went through tank training at Ft. Knox, KY, and eventually saw combat in Korea. When he got back to Austin after the war, he landed a job as a city bus driver. After that he worked for a tire company, and later at a linen cleaning service. He eventually opened his own tavern, La Plaza Bar, which was originally located across from the Ritz Theater on 6th Street. He later relocated the bar to the Riverside area when rising rents on 6th Street forced him to move. Around the time he retired in 1996, Mr. Romero developed glaucoma and cataracts, which ultimately robbed him of his eyesight.


Mr. Romero had a dog named Hog Jaw who he had since he was a puppy. Hog Jaw lived 14 wonderful years with Mr. Romero. Hog Jaw passed away this summer. Mr. Romero is ready for another companion and he is working with the PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program at Meals on Wheels and More to adopt a new dog.


In order to make this a reality we need to secure his back yard. Rebuilding Together Austin's first workday goal is to build 125 ft of fencing in Mr. Romero's back yard to ensure the safety of the new dog. We will also perform some minor electrical work and yard clean up.


We are seeking donations to help cover the cost of the materials for the project. All donations will go directly toward the project and are tax deductible. If you would like to make a contribution to this project you can donate directly on this site or you can write a check and send it to:
Rebuilding Together Austin
P.O. Box 6939
Austin, TX 78762


Thank you for your consideration and continued support. As always, if you know of anyone who would like to support this project, please share this request.

To view the history of the start-up of Rebuilding Together Austin please visit www.gofundme.com/dream-big