Making a house a home for someone in need.

Christmas In October is a volunteer program that provides home improvement repairs at no cost or obligation to low-income homeowners within the City of Chula Vista. This program combines the good will of volunteers with donated materials and contributions from local supply companies, businesses and supporters. The intent of the program is to assist homeowners in partnership with family and community members to make needed health and safety repairs. (No mobile homes.)

Since it began, Christmas In October has worked to involve more members of our community. The hard work of our volunteers continues to be appreciated by the dozens of families who have needed our help. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and service organizations we are able to help seven to ten families get a new lease on life each year.

This year’s event:
Saturday, October 28, 2023

Christmas In October continues to grow each year. We want to double the number of houses and lives we touch. We can only do this with your help and hard work! If you feel that you are up to the challenge of giving people a better place to live, please fill out a volunteer application or donate (your monetary donation is tax deductible!) Together, we will continue to make Chula Vista an even better community.

Dr. Emerald Randolph
1925-2019

Patty Davis
1950-2019
(former City of Chula Vista Councilmember)


This program is dedicated to its founders: Dr. Emerald Randolph and former Chula Visa City Council Member Patty Davis. Christmas In October has made – and will continue to make – a difference for many lives.

Miracles can happen – and they do!

Monetary donations are welcome and tax deductible. Homeowners submit applications to the Christmas in October (CIO) Committee, who selects the homes to be improved.  The Chula Vista Firefighters Foundation receives homeowner information and a list of suggested/requested home repairs. Firefighter Paramedic Clint Schepe serves as the House Captain and liaison to the CIO Committee.
Email ChristmasInOctober@chulavistaca.gov

Our Goal: To preserve and revitalize houses and communities, assuring that low income homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence. Our goal is to make a sustainable impact in partnership with the community.

Who We Help / How Homeowners are Selected: To qualify, home owners must be low-income, elderly or disabled or otherwise unable to make needed repairs themselves. Referrals come from a variety of sources, including non-profit agencies, city departments, social service organizations, churches, synagogues and individuals. The program embraces people of all faiths, races, and walks of life.

How The Program Works: Christmas In October takes its cue from the old fashioned idea of “barn raising”. As many as 75 skilled and unskilled volunteers may be assigned to a particular project. Homeowners are frequently amazed at the sheer number of people who come out to lend a helping hand, and can’t believe the massive amount of work that can be accomplished by volunteers in a short time.

After several months of extensive planning and preparation, Christmas In October culminates on “Rebuilding Day” which is held typically on the 3rd Saturday in October. Volunteers include people of different skills and abilities – from those who barely know how to paint to professional roofers and plumbers, who volunteer their time and efforts. Some volunteers may be assigned to a particular project.

Why It Works: Christmas In October does more with less. Every dollar spent is leveraged with more than $4 in donated goods and services. It works because it is neighbors-helping-neighbors to build a safer and stronger community.

Sponsors: Funding comes from corporations, individuals, labor organizations, foundations, and civic and religious organizations.

View Christmas In October Photo Gallery »