Teams of volunteers spread through out the Bay Area the last two
weekends and provided much needed assistance to owners of homes
needing repairs.
Teams of volunteers spread through out the Bay Area the last two weekends and provided much needed assistance to owners of homes needing repairs. Two projects were at Morgan Hill’s Hacienda Estates Mobile Home Park on Burnett Avenue.
Ruby Andow, had an eight-member team from Home Depot come by April 23 to perform some much needed repairs at her residence. The team rebuilt the stairs, porch and replaced the screens in Andow’s home of 17 years.
The team returned Saturday to work on a neighbor’s home in the park.
“The repairs and improvements transform not only homes, but also the lives of the people who benefit from their hard work,” said Beverly Jackson, executive director for Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley. “Each year, we see amazing gifts of love and compassion as we watch both volunteers and residents who are touched and changed by this tremendous experience.”
Sponsored by Silicon Valley businesses and organizations, more than 1,500 volunteers complete all repairs and improvements completely free of charge. In addition to the work provided, all materials are either donated by businesses and individuals, or are paid for by Rebuilding Together.
The homeowners must meet income guidelines to qualify. Volunteer teams also repaired four non-profit facilities in San Jose and homes in Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara.
Rebuilding Together is a national organization that has been in existence for 14 years in the Bay Area. By 2004, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley had rehabilitated more than 341 homes and facilities, enabling residents to live in warmth, safety and independence.
Projects include accessibility improvement, interior and exterior painting, yard cleanup, plumbing repairs, appliance replacement, kitchen remodeling, heating installation and repair, installation of safety rails, ramps and steps, repair or replacement of windows and locks, smoke alarm installation, weatherization and earthquake proofing.
While Rebuilding Together’s funding is through donations, Jackson said the biggest help comes from the volunteers.
“With donated labor and materials we are able to leverage resources so well,” Jackson said.
The biggest helper, Jackson said, has been Home Depot which provides not only money, but the materials and labor needed.
“Home Depot is a national sponsor and one of our more senior sponsors,” Jackson said. “The higher level sponsors are able to help us stretch out our dollars.”
In most cases, the Home Depot employees are giving up a rare Saturday off or will return to work until midnight.
“We’re all on our own time,” said Helen Ford, Home Depot district donation manger. “The hard thing is the work is scheduled on Saturday. They come and work at 7 or 8am then work the 3-midnight shift. It’s not something they are told they have to do.”
To apply for home repairs or for information on donating or volunteering, call 578-9519 or go on line to www.rebuildingtogether-sv.org
