Rebuilding Together and 500 volunteers from housing-related organizations joined forces this week to renovate nearly a dozen homes and community areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Rebuilding Together and its affiliates in New York and New Jersey, along with national and local partners, are planning to rebuild at least 200 homes by 2014.

“Gerritsen Beach, a close-knit community located on the southeastern side of Brooklyn, was devastated when Hurricane Sandy slammed into the neighborhood with close to 10 feet of raging waters,” said John Fiegel, interim president and CEO of Rebuilding Together.  

He added, “Along with our partners, Rebuilding Together is committed to restoring nearly a dozen homes and community areas here.  In addition to the important funding, Rebuilding Together appreciates the hands-on work that presenting sponsors Lowe’s and Meredith are contributing, as well as the ground work by our local New York affiliate and other partners.”

In its six years of partnership with Rebuilding Together, Lowe’s (LOW) has contributed more than $7 million to help families across the nation improve and maintain their homes. 

“Lowe’s is focused on continuing to work closely with our partners to deliver funding, supplies and volunteer support to the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy,” said Dennis Knowles, U.S. stores executive. 

He added, “In partnership with Rebuilding Together, we’ve been able to make a long-term impact by helping communities rebuild and recover.”