A Community Painting and Renovation Project in Berkeley: Part 1 | MB Jessee

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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

“Thank you for the support you have given the Women's Cancer Resource Center over the past year!”

— Margo - Director Women's Cancer Resource Center

“High quality work from a pleasant and qualified staff. Thank you!”

— Paul Markovich

“Hello Matt,Just another notice of thanks to your wonderful crew, Rigoberto, Javier and John. They did fantastic work, with Rigo providing meticulous and conscientious attention to the details and excellent woodwork finishing, as evidenced by the beautiful fireplace. Javier did a fantastic job in the bathroom especially, it looks "brand new," and John always does quality work, both with the interior and exterior. I can tell they care about what they do. Rigo's "punch out" was very thorough, too. I will call again when I need some more work and will definitely recommend your company and fine crew. I also felt as a homeowner, I could leave my house in their good hands during the day and that took a lot of worry from me, they were honest, prompt and reliable. They were also very kind, respectful and clean in their work, very professional. Thank you.”

— Beth Marx & Melissa Kirsch
Oakland

“Matt, Julie & Ricardo, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the three of you for the wonderful job you did in hosting the SFBA NARI Chapter Meeting on Wednesday evening. Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Members and guests alike walked away with a truly positive experience. The "painter for a day" and the cookies in the paint cans were an absolute brilliant touch and received rave reviews. What a wonderful way to do such positive marketing. Thanks again for a truly memorable experience for our members and guests. You are valued as a NARI member.”

— Judy Tufo, SFBA NARI Executive Director

“Awesome work by highly experienced, professional painters. They were: Conscious about the amount of time it would take. Ours had a lot of pre-work and took 3 weeks. Accommodating when we added a few last-minute changes Understanding when a heatwave hit and we remove some of the plastic sheeting over windows, which they had to put back up the next day. Accessible, especially the on-site crew (Hi Jose & Victor!) -- always answering questions and checking in. The end result is a perfect paint job that makes our 94-year-old house look brand new. I would definitely hire MBJ again”

— Stacey R.
Oakland, CA

“I had my wooden kitchen cabinets painted white. Anabal and Danielle were doing the job. I have nothing but praise for them. They came on time, cleaned up every day, were respective, friendly and helpful. If the rest of Jessee's crew are as great as Anabal and Danielle, this company will go far.”

— Anni S.
Oakland, CA

“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

“The finish on my kitchen cabinets had failed, becoming tacky and grimy around the handles. M B Jessee gave me a reasonable quote, far below some others, and did an outstanding job, striping the original varnish and refinishing with a new lacquer finish. The cabinets look like new. Work was done 1 day faster than estimated. The crew was extremely hard-working, considerate, and neat. Highly recommend M B Jessee.”

— Thama B.
San Francisco, CA

“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 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 want to express my thanks for a job well done. The rooms look great and there is no problem with any marks on the all the trim, floor, carpet, etc. The paint job is lovely. I also want to express my thanks for the level of professionalism the foreman showed in running the job. He was very attentive to any changes I needed to make, was extremely careful in getting the faux paint color and effect correct. Thanks so much for a job well done.”

— Suzan D’Arcy

“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