Long snapper Greg Warren knows what he is doing when it comes to home remodeling and he doesn't mind sharing his talents with those in need.
Warren took part in Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a home repair project in Western Pennsylvania where volunteers help renovate homes for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners.
"I have always loved building stuff and remodeling stuff," said Warren. "I knew there were charities out there that did just that. For me to be able to help out in a way I am familiar with and really enjoy makes it that much easier to give back."
Warren, along with Jeff Reed, Dan Sepulveda and Matt Spaeth, all went to the home of Rose Brown in the Wilkinsburg area of Pittsburgh and put their football helmets aside for hard hats, hammers and paint brushes for the day.
"The last two years I somehow got on storm doors," said Warren. "I have never installed a storm door except for there. I used to paint rooms a lot with my dad. When I got to Pittsburgh I remodeled my basement, but I haven't done any of that with Rebuilding just yet."
The Steelers team with 84 Lumber every year for the project and while the work is hard, the rewards are many.
"It's unbelievable to give back and see the people and see how grateful they are," said Warren. "They sometimes can't even explain how grateful they are."
Brown was all smiles as she saw the progress on her home, and that is just what the players were hoping for.
"If we can give back and put smiles on faces then that is important," said Reed. "Just by shaking hands, taking pictures and signing a few autographs you can tell the family members appreciate anything.
"I painted. Not that I am a big time painter, but I did work for a contracting company when I was younger so that's one of the things I know what I am doing. It's nice to do. They come up and check out the room and it's crazy how different the room looks with a coat of paint on the wall. They are in an unfortunate position and they really appreciate it."
Rebuilding Together Pittsburghis a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping low-income elderly and disabled homeowners living in warmth, safety, independence, dignity, and decency through home repair and rehabilitation.
Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh assists elderly individuals living in Allegheny County. They are people who have worked hard to maintain their homes in the past, but have become physically frail and financially unable to continue with the upkeep of their homes. Many of the homes have deteriorated to the point of being unsafe and unlivable.
