Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP), in partnership with the City of San Mateo, provides free home repair and modifications to low-income homeowners in San Mateo through the Safe at Home program. Skilled technicians focus on repairs that improve the health and safety of residents and their home. Last year, the program helped and improved the living conditions of approximately 130 households across the Peninsula.
Who is Eligible?

Rebuilding Together’s Safe at Home technicians provide needed home repair for families living in San Mateo and along the Peninsula
Community members with annual incomes up to $69,000 for a single-person household are encouraged to apply. Annual income requirements vary depending on household size. Repairs may include installing grab bars, handrails, and ramps, removing tripping hazards, installing new flooring, fixing electrical issues for adequate lighting, mitigating airborne toxins, and removing debris and clutter throughout the home. Safe at Home technicians focus on Seven Principles of Healthy Housing, keeping homes dry, clean, pest-free, safe, contaminate free, well-ventilated, and maintained. These principles drastically reduce health and safety threats residents face in the home.
One Family’s Story
One program recipient, Ilham, a single mother with five children at home, came to the program last year with significant deferred maintenance issues on her 86-year-old home. The house deteriorated from leaks due to an aging and neglected roof, electrical issues in the living room, toilet leaks, improperly functioning shower valves, and a front door that did not close properly.
Ilham worried most about leaks and water damage during the rainy season, as the kitchen and master bedroom ceilings bubbled down with water, with ceiling and fireplace leaks throughout, and gutters and downspouts that did not properly direct water away from the home.
Ilham worked hard to care for her family, yet her small income can barely cover monthly expenses. No extra funds remained for the maintenance of their home, let alone the high cost of critical repairs.
The Safe at Home technician team sealed leaks across the roof, applying asphalt sealer to all roof joints, fixed the malfunctioning living room lights, repaired toilet leaks and shower valves, and installed GFCIs in her kitchen so the family could remain securely in their home.
Without the help of RTP, Ilham would have to face another year of worrying for the safety and well-being of her family. The modifications provided by the Safe at Home program give Ilham not only peace of mind, but a safe and healthy home for her family.
To Apply
If you think you may meet the Safe At Home program requirements or have questions about eligibility, please download the homeowner or community facility applications or email info@RTPeninsula.org or call (650) 366-6597 to request one.
Nonprofit organizations with facility repair needs are also encouraged to apply for RTP’s annual hallmark program, National Rebuilding Day. Please note RTP has an upcoming October 15 application deadline.