The City of San Marcos will hold its eighth annual Volunteer Improvement Beautification Event (VIBE) on Saturday, Oct. 16 from 8 am to 3 pm in Decora Circle. The VIBE program utilizes community volunteers to revitalize homes in local San Marcos neighborhood each year.
Volunteers will take on various home maintenance projects like painting, landscaping and debris removal during the one-day event. The City provides volunteers with a breakfast snack, beverages, lunch, music, an official volunteer t-shirt, volunteer certificates and pictures. Last year’s event attracted a record number 450 volunteers, and the program has seen more than 2,000 volunteers participate in the event since its inception eight years ago. In total, the VIBE program has improved 73 homes during its tenure.
“The VIBE program is a fantastic example of community members helping one another for the greater good of San Marcos,” explained Karl Schwarm, the City’s director of housing and neighborhood services. “I am amazed each year at the dedication, energy and expertise that our volunteers bring to this event.”
VIBE was created in 2003 as a way to further enhance neighborhoods that were falling into disrepair. Special attention is typically given to homes where residents may be unable – either financially or physically – to complete basic home repair projects. The VIBE program is funded primarily through Community Development Block Grant monies that the City’s redevelopment agency receives each year.
Volunteers interested in participating in this year’s VIBE should visit www.unitedwepaint.org to register. There is a limited amount of opportunities available, so interested parties are encouraged to register early.
For more information about the event, please call Administrative Analyst Julie Magee at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3137.
