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A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1

 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1

When Rebuilding Together East Bay Network (RTEBN) asked if we could help with the painting on a home renovation project in Berkeley, we didn’t hesitate. Especially when we heard the circumstances.

We’ve partnered with RTEBN before on community painting projects (like our 2023 Project Color Painting for Charity Giveaway), but this was a little different. A senior neighbor and her veteran husband were left in an impossible situation after hiring a contractor who stripped their home to the studs and then disappeared, along with their savings.

Over the last couple of years since this happened, RTEBN has rallied an incredible group of partners to bring the property back to life. And now, it’s in the home stretch.

Partnering with Girls Garage and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network

This final phase of the renovation includes something special: a partnership with Girls Garage, a nonprofit that teaches building skills to girls and young women. Through their Big Skills Workforce Development Program, they’ve been bringing in students from the local community to get hands-on experience as the interior comes together.

The result is a truly community-driven rebuild—one that restores the home while also creating opportunities for the next generation of builders, tradespeople, and creative problem solvers.

 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1
 A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1

MB Jessee Painting’s Role in the Berkeley Home Renovation Project

Originally, we were asked to handle the exterior repaint—a much-needed finishing touch to complement the work being done inside. But as the project timeline tightened, we were also asked to help wrap up the interior.

We were happy to say yes, and thanks to Sherwin-Williams, who generously donated all the paint and materials, we had everything we needed to get the job done.

“This project is exactly the kind of work that reminds you what a team of committed people can do when they show up for each other,” said Vicente Verduzco, Director of Operations at MB Jessee Painting. “It’s been an honor to support the homeowners and work alongside these nonprofits.”

Why We Said Yes to This Community Project in Berkeley

We believe in showing up when it counts, especially for projects that give back. And this wasn’t just about paint. It was about helping close out a long, difficult chapter for a local family, and supporting an effort that’s building real skills and confidence in the trades. That hits close to home for us on a lot of levels.

We’re grateful to be involved and looking forward to seeing the finished home. Stay tuned for Part 2!

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Customer Reviews

“Julie,Just to let you know I am very appreciative of your crew catching the plumbing/mold problem. It was very astute of them. I wanted to let you know that again your crew has done excellent work here, please pass this along to Mr. Jessee. There are some bumps in the road here, but the painting and your crew has not been one of them. Their work is the only thing going right currently, and this crew is very nice and respectful. It is much appreciated. Thank you again.”

— Beth
Oakland

“Edy and crew are hard at work. They are doing a great job. Very professional outfit you have. Your crew is a delight. You may use me for a reference!”

— Heidi B
Walnut Creek

“Very easy to work with, they did an outstanding job with our project of re-painting our painting our kitchen cabinets. Given the scope of the job and that our kitchen is roughly half of our upstairs living area they did a fantastic job of minimizing the mess. Workmanship was top notch, would definitely recommend.”

— Vince Scola

“I just wanted to thank you all for doing such a phenomenal job on our recent house painting. We are very happy with the outcome and can't say enough good things about the crew. Everyone working on the project was outstanding and made it a great experience. Thanks to everyone.”

— Daylan
Piedmont

“I can't say enough about how courteous and professional my foreman was. He was on time every morning and arrived cheerful and ready to go. He is highly organized and very thoughtful. He was extremely careful and respectful when moving my belongings - a mature professional.”

— Nora Robinson

“I highly recommend MB Jesse Painting to anyone looking for a professional team that does an impressive job. They are on time, efficient and clean up well each and every day they are on site. They pay attention to detail and listen to the needs of their clients. In addition, they give back to the community. A Five Star team all the way around.”

— Erin Troy

“Today I received a beautiful bouquet from your company. It was totally unexpected and very much appreciated--a lovely surprise. Also today, your crew finished my job. I am so pleased with all their fine work. Richard is absolutely amazing and a total delight to work with. He was also extremely helpful during the paint color process. The interior work in my home far exceeded my expectations. A big thank you to you and the crew for an outstanding job. Thank you, thank you for a terrific job!”

— Barbara
Piedmont

“I just wanted to send you an email to say that John did such a great job over here today. He is truly a hard worker. He has the perfect balance of friendliness, honesty, and professionalism. I trust him. He takes the time to do the job to the best of his ability and that is what sets him (and your company) apart from the competition. He didn't make me feel rushed. He really made me feel like our job was the most important thing in the world. Thanks again!”

— Jo
Oakland

“We just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the work of MB Jessee Painting and your employees. Everything turned out beautiful. Our foreman was great! He was punctual, professional, neat and very accommodating ... and went the extra mile. We will definitely recommend you to our friends and family.”

— Michelle & Rivers Gee

“I love the article in the paper on your company. Thank you for supporting our community by painting at the Claremont Middle School. Thanks!”

— Carla Banks

“It was a great experience working with MB Jessee. The crew was careful and thorough as they painted the house, sealed stucco cracks, repaired dry-rotted wood, stained the deck, etc. Robert, Gersson, Jose, and all of the people involved in the process from the estimate to the job completion were friendly and professional.”

— Mike C.
Livermore, CA

“I loved working with M.B. Jessee from start to finish on a relatively small paint job that grew a bit. I felt in very good hands from the moment Matt Jessee came out to give me the estimate and talk about my job. He was very easy to talk to and he handled my changes very well. Then the actual work done by Rigoberto and Mario was impeccable. They were neat and meticulous and the paint job looks beautiful. I could not have asked for more and when I did, they accommodated me 100%. I will not hesitate to call M.B. Jessee again and to refer them to friends.”

— Nancy Kurkjian