Ms. A from the Bayview – A Project Snapshot

The Project: Ms. A and her husband moved into their home in the Bayview District in 1944. Since then, they have raised their 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and more than 20 great- and great-great-grandchildren in their home! Ms. A’s priority is the safety of her family, friends and community members; opening her multigenerational home to community members who are down on their luck. Read More »

My neighbor fell, in her home last weekend…

On Saturday, my neighbor came over to ask if we had seen Lill. Lill is 84 years old, and has lived in her home for 40 years. She lost her husband last December and is living on a small social security income.

We were worried because Lill loves her morning paper, and is diligent about picking it up every morning. It was 3:00 PM and the paper was still in her driveway.

So we called Lill’s daughter-in-law. Later, we heard that Lill had fallen and got stuck for 12 hours before her daughter-in-law arrived and helped her. She’s OK, but I shudder to think of what could have happened if we hadn’t noticed the newspaper. Read More »

Gettin’ Things Done for America!

Rebuilding Together believes in a safe and healthy home for every person. Are you ready to turn your idealism into action? In the past, we have worked with wonderful AmeriCorps members and we are currently seeking an AmeriCorps member to serve in our office in San Francisco beginning January 2013. Read More »

Rebuilding Together Day @ AT&T Park!

“Take me out to the Ball Game! Take me out with the crowd of RTSF volunteers. Buy your tickets and wear your RTSF T’s. I don’t care if we never get back. Let us ROOT, ROOT, ROOT for the home team on July 24^th. If they don’t win it’s a shame. So bring one, two, three of your friends to the old ball game!” Read More »

Where Senior Rockstars Hang-Out

There are many great things about my job – the awesome volunteers that return year after year, getting to work with so many local nonprofits, the excitement & enthusiasm of our new volunteers and being able to learn so much about construction. But the real reason I’m in love with my job is getting to work with our clients. Which is no surprise to my coworkers or friends – I adore working with seniors. They are a wealth of knowledge, life experience and great stories – such as growing up in a constantly changing San Francisco, as part of the Great Migration from the South to Hunters Point shipyard during WWII, graduating with the first class of female nurses or when Visitacion Valley was grassland and residents had their own personal use vineyards.

So, when I come into work and find a magazine clipping about an awesome senior on my desk, well of course I have to blog about it! THIS story (from November 1, 2011 Amercianway Magazine) is about 70 year old Jeff Harrell – “…today a great-grandfather, is the reigning Senior Games national discus champion in his age group.” He adds “Competing again has added years to my life. And being a National Champion feels really good. It’s restored a little pride.” A little? Jeff, you’re too modest… Read More »

MLK Work Week

She very much approves of all the work the January 2012 and August 2011 CapacityCorps class accomplished in Pittsburgh, PA this past week.  We built steps, kitchens, installed drywall, got covered in soot, and made a difference in the lives of a few residents of the Homewood neighborhood. Read More »

Volunteer Away Those Parking Tickets

Got parking tickets? Have more time than money? Consider volunteering with RTSF to work those parking tickets away!

That’s right folks, Rebuilding Together San Francisco is part of Project 20, a program through the SFMTA that allows eligible  people to work off their San Francisco* parking tickets by volunteering with a local nonprofit. Rapidly approaching our busiest time of year (January through April), I want to make sure all our volunteers know that this program exists – help a sweet senior AND get rid of those pesky street cleaning tickets!

Here’s how to sign up:

• Show up at the SFMTA office (11 South Van Ness Ave.) sometime between Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Their phone is (415) 626-4995
• After signing a contract, they will send you to the Project 20 offices on 7^th St. (near Hall of Justice)
• Email me, Valerie, or drop us a line – I’m really good at keeping people busy!

You can find out more about the program here, click on “Alternative to Payment”

*sorry Oaklandites! Although I hear rumor that Oakland has a similar program (called Project 22) and while I couldn’t find any further information online, check here for more info.

Give the Gift of Safety

What are you giving Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa this year? Socks, ties, snowman sweater?

This year you can do better. Give the gift of home safety.

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Look Out for Your Elders

My grandmother is currently under the care of distant family members.  Unfortunately, I won’t be seeing her this holiday because she currently lives in Philippines.  She’s 92, and as stubborn as ever, but a softie when it comes to her grandchildren.  I can’t look out for my grandmother, but for those who can, make sure they are not getting taken advantage of.

Mary Twomey, MSW Co-Director at the Center of Excellence in Elder Abuse and Neglect wrote the following informative article packed full of insights regarding elder abuse.  As we visit our relatives, look out for the signs Mary mentions.

Read More »

Meet Our Hosts: The Dynamic Duo

Meet the dynamic Construction Captain duo of Cibele Ortiz and Tudlik Moerk.  Cibele has always been an active volunteer with other organizations, but while going to school for Architecture, she decided to find a volunteer opportunity that would utilize her new found skills.  Tudlik’s beginning at Rebuilding Together San Francisco is less complex, “She dragged me in on the first project.”

The two continue to volunteer for RTSF because, “It’s fun” and, “The people we help are super cute.”  The other benefits include being a part of good, challenging projects and Cibele mentions the Construction Management experience she has gained is great for building up her resume.

Tudlik suggests, “If you’re unsure, if you’re on the fence about the whole thing, go do a project once.”  Cibele adds, “You kinda…  fall in love with it.”  Meet both at our September 22nd, Changing Neighborhoods, Changing Lives fundraiser.