[Re]Build and [Re]Claim: Practical Home Maintenance Skills for CMS Staff

On Saturday, November 8, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teachers and staff spent the morning in the [Re]Build Center powered by Lowe’s for a four-hour [Re]Build and [Re]Claim home maintenance workshop. This session was offered in partnership with At Home in CMS. The CMS-exclusive track is sponsored by Equitable, with additional workshop support from Lowe’s and Wells Fargo.

The class focused on the everyday issues that place families at risk: leaks, drainage failures, faulty electrical setups, fire hazards, and rising repair costs that strain tight budgets. Participants practiced tasks that help prevent expensive repairs and strengthen household safety. They learned how to patch drywall, weatherize doors and windows, update fire extinguishers, flush water heaters, and create evacuation and shelter plans.

The impact on the ten attendees was clear.

• All participants reported higher confidence in every home system introduced.
• All reported new budgeting strategies for future repairs.
• Nearly all left prepared to update evacuation plans and increase fire safety at home.
• Everyone saw a stronger link between home conditions, health, and long-term stability.

Many described the workshop as more practical than previous training they had received. Several asked for topic-specific follow up classes with more hands-on time.

Housing costs in Charlotte are pushing teachers away from the communities they serve. The At Home in CMS initiative is working to confront that problem through rental plans, down payment support, and stronger retention tools. Workshops like [Re]Build and [Re]Claim fit into that effort because they give staff practical knowledge that protects their homes and reduces repair expenses. These skills support stability for educators who want to remain rooted in the region.

Participants want deeper sessions on electrical systems, budgeting, and HVAC. The demand is real, and this workshop shows it can become a reliable resource for CMS staff and other employers across the region.

Organizations can bring this workshop on site for staff or host it as a team-building activity. Each session equips employees with skills that reduce housing-related stress while also connecting them to RTGC’s mission to keep families safe and healthy in their homes.

To learn more about corporate team-building in The [Re]Build Center Powered by Lowe’s or how we can bring the workshops to you, contact the director of development and communications, Shereese Floyd at shereese@rebuildingtogetherclt.org.

To join the waitlist, sign up here.