• Posted: May 21, 2025
• Austin, better communities, better construction, Chicago, Electrical Contractors Association of City of Chicago and Cook County, IBEW Local 134, Maywood, National Rebuilding Day, Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago

 

On a bright spring morning in Maywood and Austin, over 20 Powering Chicago signatory contractors and nearly 400 IBEW Local 134 electricians came together to improve lives by making residents’ homes safer during this year’s National Rebuilding Day. 

Volunteers, including apprentices and journeymen from IBEW Local 134 and contractors from the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA), gathered early to begin a day of service in partnership with Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago, a national nonprofit committed to revitalizing communities. 

“We are changing people’s lives today,” said Alexi Giannoulis, Illinois Secretary of State, as he addressed the crowd of volunteers and community members in Austin. 

“You could’ve been anywhere else, but you’re here. That means a lot,” Daniel Zarazoga, IBEW 134 Business Representative, added.

This year’s focus was repairing 50 homes across Maywood and Austin, targeting residences of elderly, disabled, and low-income families, many of whom lack access to necessary home maintenance. The IBEW Local 134 electricians’ tasks included installing outlets, repairing faulty wiring, replacing light fixtures, and ensuring smoke detectors and lighting were in working order.

“These are small things generally, but they’re big things for the people [who live in these homes],” said Jack O’Connell, an IBEW Local 134 member with Linear Electric.

For homeowner Harriet Hawkins, the impact was life-changing. 

“The work these volunteers are doing is beyond any expectations I might have had. My home has been improved tremendously. It’s also now safe, and it’s just beautiful,” said Hawkins.

Powering Chicago has long supported Rebuilding Together’s mission. 

“We’ve been involved with Rebuilding Together since its inception—over 20 years. It’s part of who we are,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago.

Volunteers addressed each home’s unique needs, from new light fixtures to microwave installations. 

“We’re working on ceiling fans, light fixtures—just helping make sure homes are safe, secure, dry,” said IBEW Local 134 electrician Joey Malone. “We’re using the talents we’ve been blessed with to give back to our communities.”

The event also served as an educational moment for the next generation of IBEW Local 134 electricians. Apprentices were encouraged to work alongside journeymen to ensure safety and learn firsthand about the value of community service. 

“Jump in with some journeymen,” said Daniel Zaragoza to the apprentices in attendance. “Everybody working safe, everybody working together.”

National Rebuilding Day 2025 was more than a day of service. It was a demonstration of Powering Chicago’s commitment to building stronger communities through skilled labor, collaboration, and heart. 

As Village of Maywood Mayor Nathaniel George Booker reminded all of the volunteers as the day came to a close, “People plus partnership equals possibility.”