County Realtors Available to Help Half Moon Bay Seniors With Home Repairs

This May, local realtors will give a helping hand to Half Moon Bay seniors needing help with home repairs. 

The program is part of the Realtor Service Volunteer Program (RSVP) that takes place over the course of one week every year. This year, volunteers will do the work between May 16-18.

"They go in and do all the little things seniors have a hard time doing like changing light bulbs, turning mattresses, moving furniture," said Cara Schmaljohn,
Executive Director of Senior Coastsiders, a nonprofit organization in Half Moon Bay offering services, classes, and activities promoting "successful aging."

Alan Louie, a broker, program volunteer and team leader, described it as a "lifesaver" to some seniors. "Our volunteer teams bring not only batteries and smoke detectors to the seniors, but cheer and companionship," he said in a quote released by the San Mateo County Association of Realtors (SAMCAR), the professional trade organization that coordinates the program. SAMCAR is comprised of over 3,000 members who work on the Peninsula in the real estate field.

Half Moon Bay seniors qualify for the program if they do not have the physical or financial means to complete needed home chores.

Services will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis among seniors that apply for help. The application deadline is March 24. Applications can be downloaded from the SAMCAR website or picked up at the organization's offices at 850 Woodside Way in San Mateo.

"I don't think they take on big repair jobs but it is great to have this group involved with our seniors," said Schmaljohn.

For questions or more information, contact Nasreen Wills, Special Events Manager at SAMCAR at 650-696-8221 or email nasreen@samcar.org.