Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley is grateful and excited to celebrate 35 years of repairing homes and restoring hope in 2026! What began as a focused effort to bring Christmas in April to Silicon Valley has grown into a mighty movement powered by volunteers, donors, and partners who believe in safe homes and communities for all. Our 35th Anniversary marks tens of thousands of lives touched, countless repairs completed, and a legacy of compassion that continues to strengthen our communities across Silicon Valley.
Let’s Celebrate 35 Years of Rebuilding Together, Silicon Valley!
As we look back on the past 35 years, we honor homeowners who opened their homes to us, volunteers who showed up rain or shine, and community partners who invested in long‑term impact. Together, we’ve tackled critical repairs, improved accessibility, and supported older adults, veterans, and families with young children who simply needed a helping hand. Every project tells a story of resilience and connection, reminding us that safe and healthy housing is the foundation for thriving, vibrant communities.
Rebuilding Together Started As Christmas in April
Our dedicated [Re]Builders know the original Rebuilding Together story by heart: While we began in 1991 as an affiliate of Rebuilding Together, originally known as Christmas in April, the first grassroots efforts started in 1973 in Midland, Texas. A small group of neighbors realized a growing need for repairs of a home in their neighborhood that had fallen into disrepair. The group came together and volunteered their time and skills on a single day in April to rehabilitate the home of their neighbor, taking their cue from the old idea of “barn-raising”. By the end of that day, their neighbor in need was so overcome with joy, she proclaimed, “It’s like Christmas in April!”, and the name was born. The concept spread across the country, the opening of the national office in Washington, DC came in 1988, and the Silicon Valley chapter was created in 1991 as Christmas in April South Bay. In 2000, we changed our name to Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley to align with a national name change. But do you know where Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley got its start?
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley’s Indiana Roots
Throughout the 70s and 80s, Rebuilding Together (then Christmas in April) was expanding successfully with public interest supporting the large-scale community revitalization made possible by volunteers during the home repair projects held in April. In 1989, James Roemer, the Director of Community Relations at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, began engaging the university’s students with the South Bend chapter of Christmas in April. That year, he helped recruit 2,000 students for Christmas in April in South Bend. The following year, he engaged 3,000 students, and in 1991, he managed 4,000 students who brought safety repairs to 150 homes during this 3-year period.
(source: Garvey, Michael O. 2013. “In Memoriam: James A. Roemer, Former Director of Community Relations at Notre Dame.” Notre Dame News. August 14, 2013. https://news.nd.edu/news/in-memoriam-james-a-roemer-former-director-of-community-relations-at-notre-dame/)
James Roemer, originally from San Jose, recognized the potential and incredible impact of the Notre Dame students and began reaching out to his network of Notre Dame alumni in Silicon Valley. In early 1991, Christmas in April was active in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Berkley, but had not yet reached the Silicon Valley. His letters encouraged them to start a Christmas in April effort here by connecting with San Jose State University and Santa Clara University, the same way that Christmas in April in South Bend saw overwhelming University of Notre Dame support.
In June of 1991, James Roemer held a lunch meeting with key alumni, representatives from the Palo Alto chapter of Christmas in April, and others from San Jose State, Santa Clara University, IBM, and community organizations interested in supporting a Silicon Valley chapter of Christmas in April. This lunch meeting proved to be a success, stirring up ideas to continue the momentum set by James Roemer.
The very next month, July 1991, Christmas in April – South Bay held its first official meeting, and leadership and volunteers began getting ready for their first Rebuilding Day in April of 1992. After planting the seeds, James Roemer wrote “I have enjoyed being with you for our brief time together in my former hometown of San Jose, California. Maybe I could return someday, at your invitation. Could I be your first volunteer to scrape and paint next April?”.
Thank You
For Supporting Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley Since 1991!
This year, we’re not just celebrating where we’ve been — we’re building toward what comes next. Our 35th Anniversary is a call to our community to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and continue addressing the growing housing and safety needs in Silicon Valley. Throughout 2026, we’ll be sharing stories, hosting events, and inviting our community to join us in shaping the next chapter of our mission. Together, we can ensure that every neighbor has a safe place to call home for the next 35 years and beyond.
We thank you for helping us repair homes and restore hope to our community for the past 35 years and look forward to what’s next.
Cheers to 35 years, [Re]Builders!
Your support over the past 35 years is truly inspiring, and we’re grateful to continue our impactful programs for our community and neighbors who depend on us to stay safe in their homes.
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!
