Staff — Rebuilding Together East Bay Network

Who we are

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network (RTEBN) is a local nonprofit that preserves affordable home ownership and revitalizes our community by providing free rehabilitation and critical repairs to the homes of income qualified seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Since our inception in 1992 as “Christmas in April,” we have improved more than 650 homes and 140 Community Facilities in Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, and Richmond.

RTEBN is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together, a national organization with affiliates in communities across the country. Rebuilding Together and its affiliates complete about 10,000 rebuild projects nationwide each year.

What we do

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network saves lives. Every year, we assess the homes of local low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, uncovering hidden dangers. We repair or replace dangerous natural gas appliances, provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, install seismic strengthening and repairs to foundations, replace broken windows and doors, make corrections to electrical wiring and fixtures, repair plumbing leaks, and improve the energy efficiency of clients’ homes. We help them reduce clutter and make their homes safer to live in. Where required, we pull permits for work and have the work properly inspected. There are no short-cuts taken.

These vital repairs are funded entirely by grants and donations, both cash and in-kind. We do not charge homeowners for these repairs, or encourage them to take out loans which they will have to repay. There are no “strings” attached to our services. This is made possible by the support of local governments, over 1,000 volunteers, and donations from individuals, corporations, private foundations, and small business owners.

Why we do it

Many of our neighbors have worked hard all their lives, but now are unable to maintain their homes in safe and secure conditions. Physical disabilities and financial hardship prevent seniors from completing critical repairs needed for their homes, resulting in dangerous living conditions.

Low-income homeowners often have no place to turn to when the roof begins to leak, the front steps crumble, and the heater breaks down. Our goal is to preserve these houses and neighborhoods and assure a warm, dry and safe home for people in need. We firmly believe that disabled and aging homeowners should be able to remain safely in their homes for as long as possible.

We provide the same assistance to local community organizations and nonprofits because we recognize how crucial their support is for so many of our neighbors. We are proud to contribute to their ability to effectively serve people in need right here in our own neighborhood.

We urge you to join our mission, and be a part of our good work.