RICHMOND, VA, Oct. 15, 2009 (Marketwire) --

RICHMOND, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/15/09 -- Volunteers from various Choice Hotels properties in Richmond are dedicating their time on this Saturday, October 17th to help one homeowner in our community keep their home and its value by making critical home repairs and renovations. Ms. Harris, once very independent and able to perform many of her own home repair needs, now requires assistance due to issues related to diabetes. Choice Hotels Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide.

The project includes repairs to the heating system, roof, windows, new handrails, improved lighting and removal of trip and fall hazards. Ms. Harris is legally blind and lives alone. It's of utmost importance to create a safe environment for her. Heating bills in this modest home topped $500 last winter. The improvements made to this house should significantly reduce that expense.

This project is one of 13 Rebuilding Together projects awarded a grant by the Choice Hotels International Foundation focused on repairing the homes of low-income families. The partnership -- named "Room to Rebuild" -- is part of the ongoing commitment by Choice Hotels to strengthen the local communities in which their associates and franchisees live, work and provide hospitality. Choice Hotels is also a presenting sponsor of the Rebuilding Together United We Serve projects occurring on September 11th as a response to President Obama's national call for service.

"To be a part of the community means you roll up your sleeves and work with neighbors to help make the lives of others better," said Amy King. "Through these efforts, Choice Hotels is committed to preserving and revitalizing the homes of the elderly, persons with disabilities and lower income families."

Other local sponsors and participants include River Road United Methodist Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Chewning and Wilmer, Professional Home Services and Howell's Heating and Air.

"Low income homeowners are struggling to maintain homeownership. We are tackling these issues of community stabilization on a day to day basis," said Gary Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "Choice Hotels is making our critical work possible in one community after another where their franchisees are showing leadership by addressing the needs of the community."

"The relationship with Rebuilding Together allows Choice Hotels properties across the country the opportunity to get involved in meaningful projects that make a real difference in revitalizing their local communities," said Stephen P.