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What if you can’t do the work? |
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Some jobs are just too big for our program. If that happens, then we work with the client to find out other options. The City of Berkeley has a no-interest loan program for seniors and disabled homeowners that aren’t repaid until you leave your home. Please click on this link to find out more: City of Berkeley
In addition, CESC works hand in hand with other community groups such as Center for Independent Living, ReBuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April), City and State Weatherization, Visiting Nurses Association, California Youth Energy Services (CYES), and many others. These partnerships serve as gateways to an abundance of services for our customers.
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Once we have determined your eligibility, we review each case individually and set up appointments to meet with you and go over the work requests. This also gives us an opportunity to do an overall assessment of your home and see if there are issues that might have been missed. If there is an emergency, we start immediately. Otherwise, the list is based on income and needs and priorities are set from there.
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There are other people who live with me. Would I still be eligible? |
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We review the income and number of people living in the home. Many of our clients have more than one person in the home and still qualify. Please check the eligibility section for the income limits and number of people in the home data.
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What Kind of Services do you offer? |
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CESC offers safety installations and a of variety home repairs such as plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, structural repairs, installations of grab bars, hand rails, cleaning gutters, etc. If you are eligible, all labor and materials are FREE!
Home Repair page
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CESC is a community-based nonprofit corporation (501c3) and licensed general contractor dedicated to revitalizing East Bay neighborhoods by assisting residents in the areas of health, safety, and home repairs. We have an in-house crew of conscientious, considerate, professional staff to take care of your home repair needs. CESC is funded through the City of Berkeley by HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
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How long do I have to wait for service? |
Emergencies are taken
care of right away, often the same day as the request. For non
emergency work, it could take several months before a home
inspection is made.
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Are there types of repairs that are not covered? |
Yes. The focus of our program is health and safety. For this
reason, CESC does not do any cosmetic repairs (painting, carpet,
linoleum, etc.). In addition, there are certain services that may
be beyond our budget or expertise for example major electrical or
plumbing; new roofs, appliances, heaters or other costly items.
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Are all services free for those eligible? |
In most cases yes. If a resident requests something above
standard, a fancier gate, or special light fixture for example, we
will ask that they pay the cost differential. In addition our
funding is limited, so those homeowners that can contribute are
asked to pay a share of major repair items like a new roof or new
heater. In any case if there is a cost share, it would be
discussed before any work would take place.
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Am I Eligible for the Services you offer? |
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Please see the eligibility section of this site. In general, all Berkeley homeowners who are low income are eligible. Clients that aren’t may still be eligible for our services at discounted prices.
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What is the program process? |
Potential customers
are asked to fill out a simple application and submit it with
income verification by mail, fax, or email to our office. Once
received, it is screened for eligibility and emergency needs. In
the case of renters, an owner authorization is sent to the
property owner.
Once
accepted, an applicant will receive a call from our Program Manager
to schedule a home inspection to determine the work that is to be
done. The Program Manager will walk through the home with the
owner and come up with a list of repair needs. Work is then
scheduled according to turn with our skilled crew.
At
the completion of work, you will be asked to return a questionnaire
to ensure that your needs have been met in a satisfactory manner.
It is that easy.
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Berkeley Home and Safety Repair Program 
