By Deanne Everton, Executive Director
Our Roots
Inspired by this model, a group of local leaders, many of whom were women from the local carpenters’ union, founded Christmas in April South Bay in 1991. That first year, volunteers repaired six homes in a single day—the beginning of a decade defined by large-scale volunteer‑driven rebuilds every April.
In 2000, we became Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley (RTSV) to fall in step with the change by our national organization and to better reflect the work we were doing.
Growing to Meet the Need
But even two major rebuild days weren’t enough. Too many neighbors needed repairs that couldn’t wait months, let alone a year.
In 2005, we introduced Neighbor to Neighbor, now Safe at Home (S@H)—a volunteer-powered, year‑round program focused on safety and accessibility and minor repairs that really couldn’t wait. From grab bars and handrails to repaired steps and rebuilt entryways, these Thursday teams’ efforts helped older adults and people with disabilities continue living safely in their homes. And while their dedication and impressive skills have made quite an impact, the need for licensed contractors and more costly repairs became more and more apparent.
Expanding Our Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
In 2012, we adopted the 25 Healthy Housing Priorities, giving us a standardized framework to ensure homes are dry, clean, pest‑free, safe, contaminant‑free, well‑ventilated, thermally controlled, and well‑maintained. With a more robust approach and funding structure in place, we could now focus not just on what the immediate needs and priorities of the homeowner were, but also the needs of the home that would ensure it was healthy and sustainable for years to come.
As additional funding streams grew, we’ve been able to tackle repairs once considered out of reach—roof replacements, subfloor restoration, plumbing overhauls, mobile home leveling, and electrical upgrades that make accessibility possible.
Innovating for Health, Safety, and Sustainability
- Green Teams reduced utility costs and environmental impact through energy‑ and water‑saving upgrades.
- Lead testing and encapsulation have been part of our protocol since 2008.
- Radon testing, added recently, has helped us mitigate a serious hazard for one local family so far.
- Neighborhood‑based safety initiatives like exterior lighting and video doorbells improved security in the Seven Trees Neighborhood.
- Last year we launched “Shine a Light”, distributing 100 safety kits to help older adults prevent falls and remain independent.
Lasting Impact
- Home repairs reduce stress, improve economic stability, and lower healthcare costs.
- Safety and accessibility modifications reduce falls and help residents age in place.
- Stabilizing homes supports generational wealth, protects our affordable housing stock, and reduces the risk of displacement—11% of our clients would likely face homelessness without our services.
- Our work strengthens neighborhoods, fosters connection, and preserves the cultural and economic diversity of our region.
Looking Ahead
Thank You
for investing in our mission and celebrating this milestone with us. Together, we will continue rebuilding lives—one home at a time.
Celebrate 35 years of repairing homes and restoring hope with us by getting involved in our transformational work! You can help us make a difference by making a gift of any amount or learn more information about what your donations help us accomplish by watching our neighbors Betty and Margaret’s stories!
