Volunteer Home Maintenance Program
The Volunteer Home Maintenance program has been the backbone of SHED since the organization’s inception over 15 years ago. SHED acts as coordinator and leader of volunteer activities to assist residents with exterior home maintenance, including painting, yard work, and repairs.
Through this program, SHED coordinates volunteers, community partners, and skilled tradespeople to help homeowners address exterior maintenance needs that may otherwise be difficult to manage due to age, disability, financial constraints, or other challenges. Many of the homeowners served through this program are older adults and longtime residents of University City who wish to remain safely and comfortably in their homes.
By providing assistance with routine upkeep and minor repairs, the program helps residents maintain safe, attractive homes while preserving the character and stability of our neighborhood. Just as importantly, it brings neighbors together, strengthening community connections through service and volunteerism.
Accepted Projects
To help homeowners maintain their property, SHED volunteers provide assistance in three primary areas: carpentry, general exterior maintenance, and minor skilled repairs.
Carpentry
- Deck repairs
- Porch and stair railings
- Fascia and siding repairs
General Exterior Maintenance
- Raking leaves
- Cleaning and minor gutter repairs
- Landscaping and garden maintenance
- Exterior scraping and painting
- Yard clean-up, including weeding, brush removal, trimming, pruning, mulching, and planting
Minor Skilled Repairs
- Basic masonry work
- Driveway patching and minor concrete repairs
Request Services
Residents who would like to request assistance can complete the online service request form or download and return a printed application. All requests are reviewed by SHED staff to determine project eligibility and volunteer availability.
Volunteer with SHED
Our Volunteer Home Maintenance Program depends on the generosity of community volunteers. Whether you have specialized skills or simply want to lend a hand, your time and talents can make a meaningful difference for local homeowners.
Volunteers participate in neighborhood workdays, special service projects, and home maintenance activities throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering with SHED, please complete the volunteer form linked below.