Rebuilding Together Names Rosalind Pendleton as the 2023 Recipient of the Patty R. Johnson Community Builder Award

Boston, MA – Rebuilding Together Boston (www.rebuildingtogetherboston.org), announced today that Dorchester homeowner Rosalind (Roz) Pendleton was awarded the Patty R. Johnson Community Builder Award from the national organization of Rebuilding Together during its annual Rebuilding Together Summit in Indianapolis on Friday, October 20. This is the first time that a homeowner has ever received this award.

The Patty R. Johnson Community Builder Award is named after Rebuilding Together’s founding President and CEO. Patty was a tireless advocate for people in need. She never lost sight of Rebuilding Together’s mission and the critical impact our collective work has on homeowners and the communities in which they live. Through her vision, leadership, energy and enthusiasm, Patty left an indelible impression in the hearts and minds of everyone she touched. The Patty R. Johnson Community Builder Award is awarded to an individual, nonprofit entity, organization or corporation who best exemplifies dedicated leadership in service to affordable housing and community redevelopment.  

“This year’s recipient could not fit that description any better. Roz Pendleton told her story on Ask This Old House. The beloved series worked with Rebuilding Together Boston to repair her home of many years. Roz has been living in her home for 21 years and has no intention of leaving despite the many offers she is getting. The team replaced the stairs and an old, unsafe deck and installed new lighting. They also created a beautiful garden where Roz and her friends and family can spend time together,” said Caroline Blakely, President and CEO, Rebuilding Together.

“This award means the world to me because there are some things you don’t get out of life and you have to make your own way, and this program helped me make it. There are a lot of people who could use the help just like I did. I am so happy to be involved with Rebuilding Together Boston because I can pass this information on,” said Roz Pendleton.

The Ask This Old House episode appeared in January and February of 2023.  It brought together the Ask This Old House team and Rebuilding Together Boston to make necessary repairs to the Dorchester home. 

“Roz is a true community builder. Not only was she a recipient of Rebuilding Together Boston’s services, she also has joined our Volunteer and Community Engagement committee. She was a life coach for the Welfare of Transition Center and many other help centers in the area and serves as an election poll worker. She also helped her Uphams Corner community, a section of Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, organize to redevelop without displacing long-term residents,” said Janice Daue Walker, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Boston.