How to Weather a Disaster: Know Thy Neighbor

Is it truly important to “know your neighbor,” as the old expression goes? According to a recent article from The Atlantic Cities , not only is it important, but it could save your life in a disaster. Sociologists looked at mortality rates in the Chicago heat wave of 1995 in different neighborhoods, and found interesting results. When comparing two demographically similar neighborhoods, they found that the loss of life in the neighborhood with local diners, grocery stores, and people who “knew their neighbors” was significantly less during that mournful period than the neighborhood with less quantifiable social cohesion. Read More »

December Volunteer of the Month – John Calvello

There’s something about great feats of strength or significant accomplishments that put me in awe. The level of awe is directly proportioned to how much of how little I can comprehend how the incredible act was accomplished. For example I am in awe of Olympians and their incredible acts, but I am even more in awe of an artist who can turn a sheet of plain paper into a life like 3D work of art. How in the world is that possible? Another group of people I am in awe of is the small group of dedicated souls who volunteer with us year round. These Home Safety Heroes, as we like to call them, make themselves available on an ongoing basis throughout the year and are the life blood of a program that provides critical safety repairs to hundreds of people a year. I am in awe of their collective commitment and compassion for those we serve. But I am even more in awe of a particular Home Safety Hero: Mr. John Calvello.

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Ms. L from Bernal Heights- A Project Snapshot

The Client: Ms. L has been living in her home for thirty-six years.  She loves to do arts and crafts with her young granddaughter, as well as volunteer at different organizations in her spare time.  Currently, Ms. L works as an in-home care taker for the elderly, sometimes days at a time.  She loves helping others, and in return often puts her own needs on the back burner.  This is where we come in, helping her with landscaping, organizating her belongings, and basic repairs on her home. Read More »

The Power of We

In early 2008, the following email was sent to the general listserv of the National Association of Professional Organizers’ San Francisco Bay Area chapter (NAPO-SFBA): 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 »

Fall Prevention Month: How RTSF saves seniors haunted by fall risks

I stopped in at Target last week to pick up a couple of things for the house and happened to walk past their seasonal section which was chock full of Halloween candy and decorations.  My first thought was, “Halloween already?  What happened to Labor Day?”  My second thought was, “If I buy Halloween candy now, how much will remain by October 31st?”  When I was a kid Halloween couldn’t come fast enough but now Halloween signifies the first slip on the holiday season slope that whisks us to the New Year in a dizzying tornado of activity.  My have things changed!  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 »

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.

Wonder what to do about graffiti?

Last night at a community meeting (the OMI Neighbors in Action, to be exact), they had two super nice guys (Greg & Larry) from the Department of Public Works (DPW) came to talk about graffiti specifically. I thought the information was really helpful and interesting, so I wanted to share it briefly with all of you! But please check out their site here  for more information including what it costs to abate each year, tips to remove, and efforts to deter taggers by creating murals.

If you see graffiti, call “311″ to report it. They get over 100 graffiti phone complaints a day (wowzers!) but they have a great system around following up in a timely manner. Read More »

Meet Our Hosts: Lucia Casaravilla

Lucia, one of our newer Board Members,  first heard about and got involved with Rebuilding Together while she lived in Washington D.C.  As a sponsor and partner, she fell in love with the mission of Rebuilding Together.

When she moved to San Francisco, she looked up the San Francisco Rebuilding Together affiliate and infiltrated its ranks as a volunteer.  Lucia continues to be a part of Rebuilding Together because of the tangible difference made in the lives of others and the opportunity to work with communities and the homeowners within them.

As an active Board Member, Lucia participates in the Marketing and Development committees.  She is always looking forward to new challenges and the freedom to be productive in creative ways.  She also enjoys working with the other fun and talented Board Members of Rebuilding Together San Francisco.

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