For homeowners or renters who are advanced in years or disabled, tasks like replacing smoke detector batteries, flipping a mattress or washing the windows can be a major challenge. Seniors and the homebound who live on the Peninsula or in the South Bay may now request free assistance with such household tasks through the Realtor Service Volunteer Program (RSVP) for the week of May 7-12, 2007. The deadline for seniors to request assistance is Friday, April 6.
RSVP is a community outreach program offered each year to qualified seniors who cannot otherwise perform certain household tasks due to physical or financial constraints. This free assistance is offered by local Realtors in cooperation with various community organizations and senior centers.
The annual hands-on effort is organized by the members and affiliates of the Sili¬con Valley Association of Realtors, the local trade associations of the real estate industry on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. During RSVP Week, teams of Realtor volunteers and affiliates (professionals who provide industry-related services) will visit senior citizens and perform various cleaning and maintenance tasks free of charge.
The Realtors' community outreach program was launched in 2001. Last year alone, 500 Realtors and professionals offering real-estate related services provided free help around the house for 352 home¬owners.
"As Realtors, we sell the benefits and aspirations of our communities," said 2007 Silicon Valley Association of Realtors RSVP Chair Eileen Giorgi, who is a Los Gatos Realtor. "We are committed to give back to those who have built our communities. What better way to do that than by assisting those most in need - the elderly and disabled, with basic and necessary household tasks that insure their safety. This program also enables us to help seniors and the homebound enjoy their homes in the community for a longer time."
"Through the RSVP program, Realtors and affiliates are there to help preserve the American dream for the seniors and homebound in our communities," said Palo Alto Realtor David Barca, who had chaired the program since 2001. "Over the years I have been doing this, I have come to realize that the little we do in someone's home can make the difference between their remaining independent as a homeowner or renter, or having to give up that independence to some form of care giving and dependence on strangers. RSVP has the unique opportunity to help seniors and the homebound stay in their properties longer."
Barca added, "When we do go out in May we will bring cheer and conversation and friendship into the homes of older and needy citizens. For that we receive more gratitude than you can imagine."
Seniors can request to have light bulbs replaced, house numbers installed, furnace filters changed, windows cleaned, mattresses turned or new smoke detector batteries installed. The volunteers also handle minor plumbing tasks, plant spring flowers or help with recycling.
Homeowners or renters who are advanced in years, disabled or other¬wise challenged and live in the communities of Atherton, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Monte Sereno and Los Gatos can apply for services by contacting Silicon Valley Association of Realtors Development Director Kelly Dadsetan at (408) 200-0117 for information and an application
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.