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WHAT IS THE LEND A HAND PROGRAM?
The heart of this program is about inspiring active and motivated neighbors to define and direct lasting change in their neighborhoods. More than just physical improvements,
Lend A Hand educates neighbors and brings the community together in a big way. Click on the links below to learn all about this exciting program.
Active Neighborhood Groups
Lend A Hand helps neighbors meet and form neighborhood groups to actively tackle neighborhood concerns, organize enhancement projects, and celebrate where they live. We believe that vibrant neighborhoods are supported by engaged residents. We provide resources and tools for these groups to initiate projects that positively impact the neighborhood.
Our active neighborhood groups are committed to forming strong neighborhoods that will have a lasting impact on the community.
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Millar neighbors work together to tear down the decaying fence on their shared property. |
Members of the Friends and Neighbors Neighborhood Group gather for their monthly meeting. |
Over 100 neighbors gather over food and fun for a resident organized safety social. |
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Neighborhood Enhancement Projects
Lend A Hand brings proactive neighbors together to identify enhancement projects that uplift and restore their neighborhoods. More and more residents are actively investing in their community to remove blight, prevent crime, and create a sense of neighborliness. With a little help from volunteers and a big hand from residents and local businesses, neighborhoods are reaching their full potential.
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This 137 ft fence was an eyesore and frequent site for graffiti before Lend A Hand. |
Community members painted their memories of Downtown El Cajon's historic avocado and orange groves |
Success! Success! El Cajon Makes A Difference in a Big Way
One thing is for sure, big things happen when the community comes together. Due to the hard work of over 25 volunteer groups and hundreds of individuals, Lend A Hand successfully completed fencing projects, painted three bright murals, and held two area-wide clean-ups in the East Park Avenue neighborhood this spring.
These worthwhile projects were made possible with direction from residents, energy from volunteers, expertise from skilled contractors, and generosity from community partners who believe in this cause. Thank you for your continued support!
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| Painted by Rosalie Dosik and a team of local youth and volunteers, this lush succulent scene complements the natural surroundings. |
One of six historical panels painted by Cajon Valley High School students, community members, and local artists Thom Guerra, Carlos Castrejon, J.P. Castrejon, and Lucy Murphy, this frame captures the Downtown El Cajon Arch. |
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| Painted by a team of Cajon Valley Middle School students and volunteers, this vintage baseball themed mural gives the Cajon Valley Middle School ballpark character and identity. |
Greg Brown of Miltco Inc., Bob Gray of Quality Fence, and Ledcor, led a team of skilled volunteers and local residents to rebuild four neighborhood fences. |
See more photos from this exciting community volunteer project here:
Lend A Hand Mural Project Slideshow
Celebrate Lend A Hand's Accomplishments for the Community:
• Over 350 volunteers joined forces with get-up-and-go vigor.
• Four highly visible neighborhood fences were demolished, rebuilt, and restored to their original luster with guidance from Miltco Inc., Quality Fence, and Ledcor.
• Most notably, skilled volunteers replaced 640 feet of tired chain-link fence in the ballpark of Cajon Valley Middle School.
• El Cajon muralist Thom Guerra orchestrated three mural projects. Under his leadership, talented artists and local students enhanced the neighborhood by adding over 1,263 square feet of unique public art.
• Over 13,360 pounds of trash was removed area-wide and 100 instances of graffiti were eradicated.
Thank you to our Lend A Hand Partners and Supporters!
Every contribution, large or small, is important to the success of Lend A Hand, making a significant impact on neighborhoods and lives in the El Cajon residential areas. Contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 to join the growing number of individuals and organizations committed to positive community change.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the following organizations who continue to support the Lend A Hand mission:
 Meetings & Workshops
Neighborhood groups provide a forum for residents to share ideas, create safer and more connected neighborhoods, and achieve common goals. The curriculum includes training about community programs, policies, and processes in addition to group leadership development.
Contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 to host a meeting in your neighborhood, sponsor a neighborhood group, or partner with the El Cajon CDC to share your community resources.
Neighborhood Gatherings & Celebrations
It’s important to get to know your neighbors. A great way to get to know the people in your community is by throwing a neighborhood block party, potluck, or BBQ. Lend A Hand helps residents in Downtown El Cajon get connected by celebrating where they live.
If you are interested in hosting a gathering in your neighborhood or sponsoring a celebration, please contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858.
Saturday Morning Clean-ups
Once a month, residents, business owners, and community-minded individuals come together to spruce up our neighborhoods by removing trash and identifying graffiti in the streets of Downtown El Cajon.
Saturday, September 25
9:00 - 11:00 am
Corner of West Park Avenue & Chambers Street
Any cancellations due to weather will be announced on this page
At this time, to recycle electronic waste, please visit California Metals located at 287 South Marshall Avenue.
To volunteer for this event, please contact Erica Nagy, Neighborhood Resource Assistant.
For a complete listing of all the Saturday Morning Clean-ups dates in 2010, please click here (PDF). Be sure to check the website each month for location details.
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Remove Trash |
Identify Graffiti to be Removed |
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Meet Your Neighbors |
Donate Obsolete Household Items |
Sign Me Up!
RSVP your group with the El Cajon CDC by calling our office at (619) 401-8858 or email Erica Nagy, Neighborhood Resource Assistant. Feel free to print out and bring the following volunteer waiver (PDF) if you are a first timer. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign this waiver before you participate in the clean-up.
You may also be interested in volunteering for neighborhood enhancement projects!
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Since 2006, Saturday Morning Clean-ups have engaged over 1,500 individuals, removed over 900 graffiti incidences, collected 22,359 gallons of trash, and 40,152 pounds of electronic waste. Read more about Lend A Hand's success in the San Diego Union-Tribune and East County Gazette! And be sure to check out the impact of Saturday Morning Clean-ups in Downtown El Cajon here (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any age limitations?
Absolutely not! Everyone is welcome to join, even if it’s just to cheerlead. Kids (even the littlest ones) have a blast using trash grabbers and adults gain the satisfaction of doing something great for the community.
I have a physical condition that does not allow me to participate. Is there anything else I can do?
Of course! We always need help coordinating our volunteers and donation collections on the day of the event. Please contact Erica Nagy, Neighborhood Resource Assistant, at (619) 401-8858 to learn more.
Are there any other ways to be involved?
- Are you a local business? Click here to donate snacks and goodies for the volunteers and associate your name with this important cause.
- Donate trash bags and/or gloves
- Provide hand sanitizer
- Nominate A Street (PDF) for a future clean-up
- Share this opportunity with a friend or business!
- Sign up to get notified about upcoming neighborhood enhancements by emailing Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator.
Please contact Erica Nagy, Neighborhood Resource Assistant, at (619) 401-8858 to provide any of the items listed above.
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Financial Education Trainings
El Cajon CDC is proud to announce that we will be hosting FREE financial education classes throughout the year to help you become financially strong and solvent. For more information about future financial education classes please contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858.
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 UArt: Downtown El Cajon's Utility Art Box Program
New and Improved, UArt Now Includes an Artist Stipend
 The El Cajon CDC values art as a development strategy to create inviting spaces defined by the community. Vibrant artwork not only enhances public spaces, it also deters graffiti within residential neighborhoods and the business community alike. With a stronger urban aesthetic, merchants reap the benefits of more business and the pedestrian experience is enhanced for the community at large.
UArt: Downtown El Cajon’s Utility Art Box Program, inspired and funded by the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency and implemented by the El Cajon CDC, transforms ordinary utility boxes into distinctive works of public art. Local artists and community members are invited to paint a utility box, becoming part of the Downtown El Cajon landscape for years to come.
Beginning in July 2010, artists and community members are highly encouraged to contribute colorful designs that highlight qualities unique to El Cajon - its past happenings, signature community events, distinctive businesses, historic buildings, natural beauty, culture, and more. Also brand new, participating artists will receive a stipend of $125!
To paint a utility box, follow these easy steps by October 29, 2010:
- Please click here (PDF) to obtain a copy of the application and learn all about the process and guidelines.
- Complete your application and a color rendering of your proposed design on the template provided. You may submit several templates at once.
- Send your application and designs to Rebecca Reyes, Community Development Associate, by October 29, 2010. You may mail the materials to our office at 131 East Main Street, Suite 201 or email them in JPG format.
Looking for design inspiration?
Peruse any of the websites below to learn more about El Cajon and its history (of course, our website is a good resource too!):
El Cajon Historical Society
City of El Cajon
Olaf Wieghorst Museum
Contact Rebecca Reyes, Community Development Associate, at (619) 401-8858 with any questions or suggestions. Thank you for sharing your vision with Downtown El Cajon!
Learn more about the UArt program by watching this segment from Fox Channel 6's morning show San Diego Living. Just click here!
(Windows Media Player required. Need Windows Media Player? Click here to download it)
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I LIVE IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON
Love where you live: find out what it takes to have clean, safe, and active neighborhoods! Click here (PDF) to see if you live within the Downtown El Cajon boundaries.
Solve Neighborhood Concerns
Having problems in your neighborhood? Click on the Whose Job Is It? link and find out who to contact for help or the Neighborhood Connection PDF for a complete list of resources.
For some easy neighborhood safety tips and ideas to build community on your block, check out The Safe Neighborhood Guide PDF.
Other Community Resources
El Cajon Neighborhood Blog
Neighborhood Watch
Crime Free Multi Housing
Form a Neighborhood Group or Neighborhood Watch
It is vital to know who belongs in your neighborhood to have safe and active communities. Get together with other neighbors who have a genuine interest in neighborhood involvement. Every neighborhood group is different depending on the needs and goals of your block. We can help you build relationships, organize gatherings, facilitate partnerships with the city and El Cajon Police Department while getting in touch with the values that matter most to your street.
Are you interested in becoming more active in your community? Contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 to plan a meeting in your neighborhood!
Plan a Neighborhood Celebration or Gathering
A great way to get to know the people in your community is by throwing a neighborhood block party, potluck, or BBQ.
Contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 to plan a celebration in your neighborhood!
Nominate Your Street for a Clean-up or Identify a Need in Your Neighborhood
If you live in El Cajon, you know it best. We need your help to determine where the greatest need is in the community. Do you have frequent graffiti in your neighborhood? Is there a property that needs a little TLC? Do you have an idea for a community mural or garden? The future is up to you!
Nominate Your Street for a neighborhood clean-up or project. Click here (PDF) to see if you live within the Downtown El Cajon boundaries.
Where is the greatest need in your neighborhood?
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Dilapidated fencing in need of repair. |
Graffiti and blighted foreclosed properties present on the block. |
Public beautification needs. |
We’re always looking to freshen up and expand our programs, if you have any project ideas, please contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858.
Calendar of Community Events
Find out when other neighborhoods are meeting and learn all about fun and free activities happening throughout El Cajon. Check out the Calendar of Events.
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I WANT TO VOLUNTEER
Get your hands dirty and help rebuild a neighborhood!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Check out our Calendar of Events to learn about upcoming service projects.
Other Ways I Can Help
Every act and every contribution, large or small, is important to the success of this great work. You can help by providing any of the following:
- Insight into local needs
- Leadership to build a neighborhood group
- Financial support
- Building materials
- Tools
- Contracting experience
- Your time and talents
Contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 to help restore the residential neighborhoods of Downtown El Cajon.
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I WANT TO DONATE
Every act and contribution, large or small, is important to our success as a community. You can help by providing any of the following:
- Insight into local needs
- Leadership to build a neighborhood group
- Financial support
- Building materials
- Tools
- Contracting experience
- Your time and talents!
Contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858 to help restore the residential neighborhoods of Downtown El Cajon.
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