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The Realtor Service Volunteer Program is now accepting applications from homeowners or renters who are advanced in years or disabled and need assistance with tasks like replacing smoke detector batteries, flipping a mattress or washing the windows. The deadline for seniors to RSVP or request assistance is April 15.
Local Realtors, in cooperation with various organizations and local senior centers, provide the cost-free help to qualified homeowners in certain communities in Santa Clara County. The community outreach program provides senior citizens with a friendly visit and free assistance with household tasks during a designated week each year.
The annual hands-on effort, which is organized by the members and affiliates of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and the San Mateo County Association of Realtors, will take place in Los Gatos and Saratoga during the week of May 1621. Teams of Realtor and affiliate member volunteers will go out into the community to help senior citizens in their residences by performing various health and safety tasks.
"As Realtors we not only do business in our communities," said Willi Krauss, president of Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. "We are also neighbors. And as neighbors, we want to give back to those who have built our communities. Realtors are often seen as community enablers. What's really great about this program is that we can enable seniors to enjoy their homes in the community for a longer time."
The Realtors' community outreach program was launched in 2001. Seniors can choose to have light bulbs replaced, house numbers installed, furnace filters changed, windows cleaned, mattresses turned or new smoke detector batteries installed. The volunteers can also handle minor plumbing tasks, plant spring flowers, clean gutters or help with recycling.
The response has been strong since the inception of the program in 2001.
This year, homeowners or renters who are advanced in years, disabled or otherwise challenged and live in Santa Clara County, can apply for services at Silicon Valley Association of Realtors' main office at 345 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, or sign up directly at local senior centers.
For further information about the RSVP program or to obtain an application, contact Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at 650.949.9115.
Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to gmeissner@silvar.org.
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