Homeowners Al and Luisa and Al’s mother, Diane, needed significant help with backyard debris removal and fence replacement on their Palo Alto property. A team from Sequoia High School in Redwood City spent much of a Saturday removing debris and an old fence. Their work provided preparation for the following week when a team from Tencent America, along with RTP staff and skilled site captains, built and installed a new fence for the homeowners. Diane summed up her gratitude with: “This is the best. This is a blessing.”
The project was one of many that took place on and around Fall Rebuilding Day. In the end, RTP’s Fall Rebuilding Day season will have featured 19 separate team events.
Volunteer teams also helped at a community housing facility owned and operated by HIP Housing in Redwood City where they spent two days tackling much-needed repairs and modifications. HIP Housing is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing solutions for low-income individuals. RTP often helps with the renovation and repair of these facilities.
Provident Credit Union primed the interior walls for painting and started the demolition of an old, unsafe shed in the backyard. The following day, a volunteer team from Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS) finished the job. They painted the interior with bright, “trauma informed” colors and put their skills to work on other repairs and carpentry tasks. RTP also facilitated the demolition of an old trellis in front of the facility.
Laura Fanucchi, Director of Programs for HIP Housing, who worked all day alongside the volunteers, had this to say about the experience: “We can’t get these types of projects done during the normal course of overseeing 500 units of housing in the county. The support provided by RTP is instrumental in improving the condition of the home and making it more beautiful.”