Few things are more important to Michelle Larkin than a safe, comfortable and healthy family environment.

That's why she started a Saratoga County chapter of the national organization Rebuilding Together, formerly known as Christmas in April. Nonprofit chapters across the country all work on the same day in April to rehabilitate housing for low-income, elderly or disabled community members.

In less than two weeks, the group will spring into action as 150 to 200 volunteers descend on five sites around the county to make much-needed repairs. Projects range from fixing damaged ceilings and roofs to renovating bathrooms so they work again.

"I love to be in my house, and to me, that's a safety net for my family," Larkin said. "I know there are people out there who are struggling because they don't have that, and they have a leaking roof and have to decide between feeding their families and making a repair."

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County officially incorporated in December of 2003, and Larkin has a 19-member board. Since they organized late in the year, Larkin said corporations had already allocated their charitable giving for 2004, so Rebuilding Together was at a disadvantage. Though they were hoping to raise $21,000, they have $11,000-plus worth of in-kind donations.

"If we don't reach the goal, we just won't be able to do as many repairs at the job site, but we'll be fine," she said. "People have been generous, but we're unknown."

The group will fix up two homes in Schuylerville, a house in Malta and make repairs at the Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga Springs with a prep day on April 17. They'll complete the repairs the following Saturday, April 24.

That day will conclude with a picnic for all the volunteers, Larkin said.

But in the meantime, all of her energy will be focused on the details, like assessing the projects, making sure enough workers will be at each site, picking up supplies and even making sure that the volunteers will have lunches on the work days and Rebuilding Together T-shirts.

"It's exciting, of course -- it's kind of like a part of life. We try not to talk about it constantly," she said. "I do wake up dreaming about Port-A-Potties and Dumpsters."

Larkin said that for this first year, Rebuilding Together worked with existing agencies like the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council and churches to select projects. Next year, applications will be available in the fall for potential projects, and if the money is there, she'd like to do more projects.

"The goal is, every year there will be projects to do," she said. "The goal is that this will become a household name in Saratoga Springs, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County."

To donate to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, contact Michelle Larkin at 583-4640, or e-mail the organization at . The group has a Web site, www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.com