Chris Higgins has a simple reason for being a Rebuilding Together Lincoln County volunteer.

“It’s the smiles on their faces I see when we are done,” Higgins said as he points to a nearby East Boothbay homeowner. Higgins is one of the designated project captains who led teams of volunteers in home improvement projects on May 9. Higgins, a self-described Jack-of-all-Trades, lent his skills to fix a home’s gutter, install fascia board and repair a deck. He was recruited 10 years ago by Clayton Pottle, who is one of his team members.

Pottle joined Rebuilding Together Lincoln County in 2003. He became a volunteer after seeing all the good work done by the organization.

“I enjoy helping people,” Pottle said. “Chip Griffin got me involved 15 years ago. And I’m glad he did. This is a worthy cause which helps people in need.”

Griffin, along with Sarah Giles, Neil Ames and Joyce Armendaris began the local group in 2001. Rebuilding Together is a national organization that provides low-income homeowners with critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, and energy-efficient upgrades. Rebuilding Together has 100,000 affiliates and works on 10,000 home improvement projects per year, according to its website.

On May 9, 11 Rebuilding Together Lincoln County teams lent a helping hand to local needy homeowners. The teams worked on projects in East Boothbay, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Westport. The local affiliate is also looking to broaden its exposure throughout the county.

“The majority of the fundraising comes from the Boothbay region. So that is where the majority of work is done. We are looking to expand into Wiscasset, but we haven’t been able to find a contact person over there,” said Rebuilding Together Lincoln County President Sally Barter.

Barter leads a 13-member board of directors that organizes the group’s activities. The board’s major responsibility is fundraising. Rebuilding Together Lincoln County holds several fundraisers throughout the year. The money raised purchases building materials. A large contingent of skilled and not-so-skilled volunteers provide the labor. This year, organizers estimated 75 volunteers built ramps, repaired roofs, and fixed stairs throughout the Boothbay region.

Rebuilding Together Lincoln County’s finance manager Sarah Giles reviews applications. The applicant must demonstrate a financial need and show proof of home ownership. She submits those qualifying applications to Project Manager Fran McBrearty. He determines if the project is within the local chapter’s scope.

Each year, the chapter completes over 20 projects per year, according to McBrearty.

In early April, McBrearty began matching projects with captains and volunteers with teams.

“It’s my job to make sure each captain has what is needed, whether that’s volunteers or materials,” McBrearty said. “Today, my job is pretty much over. But I’ll drive around to see if everything is OK.”

The second Saturday of May is not the only time Rebuilding Together Lincoln County provides assistance. The local chapter assists other needy homeowners throughout the year.