Established in 1985, the VHRP delivers exterior restoration of homes by volunteer crews, rebuilding pride in ownership, a cornerstone of a sound neighborhood.  Having repaired over 4,500 homes since inception, this program is a major Houston community service opportunity engaging over 5,000 volunteers each year.  The VHRP is the only nonprofit volunteer-based effort in the Houston area that provides a significant volume of exterior home restorations to low-income, elderly or disabled homeowners.
 
Exterior repairs are performed by volunteer crews sponsored by local corporations, churches, schools or civic associations with 15 – 25 people under direction of a crew leader(s).  Volunteers are the heart beat of this program.  RT Houston selects homes, defines the scope of work, provides repair materials, and couples the crew with the house matching skill/work needed.  The sponsor of the volunteer crew supplies tools, ladders, scrapers, paintbrushes, personal needs etc.  Able-bodied relatives of the homeowner are expected to participate with the volunteer crew.
 
Homes are primarily one story and wood sided.  Repairs range from scrape and paint to siding replacement, window repair and caulking, door and security lock installation, porch & step repair, wheelchair ramp construction and stabilizing pier and beam foundations.  Program workdays are two Saturdays in April and two Saturdays in October of each year.