Oakland homeowners, help is here for that home repair or improvement--electrical, plumbing, sewer repairs, seismic retrofitting, hot water heater, furnace, roof and gutters, painting, etc. Even if your credit is less-than-perfect, you may be eligible to borrow money and avoid dishonest, predatory lenders and unscrupulous contractors. See the various programs available at
http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/hcd/loansgrants/rehab.html or call (510) 238-3909 for our brochure and application package.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Why Red Cross?
I have been volunteering with the Red Cross for over a year now. I was inspired to get involved after Hurricane Katrina wiped out New Orleans. This past year I have worked in the Client Services department and on the Disaster Action Team.
Many people are under the impression that the RC just assists with large disasters - hurricanes, floods, etc.. Well, that is a very big part of the Red Cross but we also assist in local disasters - mainly fires. Here is an example of the calls we took in May:
Alameda County volunteers responded to 10 incidents in May:
May 1 Single family residence fire, Oakland 6 clients assisted
May 6 Apartment fire, Hayward 20 clients assisted
May 9 Duplex fire, Oakland 2 clients assisted
May 12 Apartment fire, Oakland 21 clients assisted
May 14 Apartment fire, Oakland 2 clients assisted
May 16 Apartment fire, Berkeley 2 clients assisted
May 24 Single family residence repair, Oakland 1 client assisted
May 25 Single family residence fire, Oakland 4 clients assisted
May 28 Apartment fire, Hayward 110 clients assisted
May 28 Single family residence fire, Hayward 3 clients assisted
In the month of May, we helped over 100 people! And, this wasn't a particularly busy month. There are some months that we take over 20 calls due to fires.
The satisfaction I get from volunteering with the RC is being able to help somebody in a crisis situation. Letting that person take comfort in knowing that they are not alone and that I am here to help!
Ok, on a real estate tip - UPDATE YOUR HOME OR RENTER'S INSURANCE! Most of the people we assist do not have home or renter insurance. They wake up one day and everything they own is gone. Don't let that happen to you! Be smart.
Many people are under the impression that the RC just assists with large disasters - hurricanes, floods, etc.. Well, that is a very big part of the Red Cross but we also assist in local disasters - mainly fires. Here is an example of the calls we took in May:
Alameda County volunteers responded to 10 incidents in May:
May 1 Single family residence fire, Oakland 6 clients assisted
May 6 Apartment fire, Hayward 20 clients assisted
May 9 Duplex fire, Oakland 2 clients assisted
May 12 Apartment fire, Oakland 21 clients assisted
May 14 Apartment fire, Oakland 2 clients assisted
May 16 Apartment fire, Berkeley 2 clients assisted
May 24 Single family residence repair, Oakland 1 client assisted
May 25 Single family residence fire, Oakland 4 clients assisted
May 28 Apartment fire, Hayward 110 clients assisted
May 28 Single family residence fire, Hayward 3 clients assisted
In the month of May, we helped over 100 people! And, this wasn't a particularly busy month. There are some months that we take over 20 calls due to fires.
The satisfaction I get from volunteering with the RC is being able to help somebody in a crisis situation. Letting that person take comfort in knowing that they are not alone and that I am here to help!
Ok, on a real estate tip - UPDATE YOUR HOME OR RENTER'S INSURANCE! Most of the people we assist do not have home or renter insurance. They wake up one day and everything they own is gone. Don't let that happen to you! Be smart.
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