Hours of Operation

Our phone hours of operation are Monday - Friday,

9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Due to our high volume of calls, you may need to leave a message. Please do so and someone will get back to you within 24-48 hours. You can also reach us by email at chore@bergenvolunteers.org. 

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CHORE vans go out Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. We do not offer weekend or evening hours.  We cannot accommodate emergencies. 

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Grab Bars

We carry our own supply of stainless steel grab bars that you can purchase from us on the day of your appointment. We offer four sizes:

• 9” = $11.00

• 12” = $12.00

• 18” = $18.00

• 24” = $18.00

If you prefer a different color or size you can provide your own grab bar and our volunteers will be happy to install it for you.

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Appointments

We schedule 4-6 weeks out. Please be mindful of seasonal chores (i.e. A/C install/removal, weatherstripping, etc) and call well in advance for these services. Safety chores are always given first priority (i.e. grab bars, railings, light bulbs, etc).

 

When you receive an appointment, you can ask to be put on the waitlist. If an earlier appointment in your surrounding area becomes available we will call you to see if that date works for you. There is no guarantee that you will get an earlier appointment.

 

You will be called the week of your appointment as a friendly reminder. In addition, our volunteers will call you on the day of your appointment when they are on the way to your residence. If you miss your appointment you will be given the next available time slot in your area.

 

CHORE does not service emergencies. If you are unable to wait for services, we can offer you the name and number of some local handymen and/or other organizations that assist seniors with home improvement and safety repairs. 

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Canceling or Rescheduling Appointments

If you need to cancel an appointment for any reason, please call 201-489-7790 or email chore@bergenvolunteers.org. If you wish to reschedule the appointment, you will be given the next available time slot in your area.

 

Jobs

CHORE does not do painting, new wiring/plumbing, appliance repair, heavy lifting, moving furniture, tiling, or any outdoor work . Feel free to call or email the office if you are not sure about a certain chore or task. 

 

Our volunteers have the right to turn down a job if they feel it is beyond their skill set. Our volunteers are not licensed plumbers or electricians. They are simply retired handymen with experience in many different backgrounds.

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Parts & Supplies

CHORE carries an inventory of grab bars, washer hoses, light switches, outlets, brackets, and other additional parts for minor plumbing and electrical work. Clients will be asked to supply their own light bulbs, light fixtures, shower heads, batteries, etc. If you are unable to purchase the materials yourself our volunteers can get them for you, but it may require an additional appointment. A receipt will be provided to you and you will be responsible for payment.

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Cost of Service

As a grant funded program, we do not charge for labor. We only charge for the cost of materials needed to complete the job.

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Payment

We prefer cash or check for materials and donations. Credit card payments must be done over the phone with an office member. Credit card donations can be done by clicking the “Donate” button on our website’s main page or click here. 

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Donations

Our volunteers do not accept tips. If you are looking for a way to express your gratitude for this service you can make a donation to Bergen Volunteers. Your volunteers will let you know how or you can make a credit card donation here. 

 

The CHORE program runs on a grant funded by the Bergen County Division of Senior Services, Bergen Volunteer Center fundraising activities, and through client contributions.