Seeking a sense of community

preservationgal

I am writing this with some faith that there is still some ability to barter in this world. In the spirit of food co-ops, animal shelter benefits, and the days of loaning your neighbor a cup of sugar or a candle when the power goes out... please read this message (an appeal, really) below:

My name is Jackie and I'm 27. My husband is 33 and we are looking for an apartment. Due to many years of schooling between the two of us, we don't have enough savings to buy our own house (brownstone or apartment) so we are looking to rent. I am hoping to find someone on this board, or a friend of a friend, who has just made that exhilarating purchase of a brownstone that might need some TLC to make it into their sparkling vision of a home.

I work in preservation as an historian so I do a lot of building research. I have started to get more handy with tools, but what I would like is to have a project that I can work on and keep developing my skills (for that magical day when I finally get to purchase a home). In exchange for a break in the rent of an apartment, I propose to assist you in working on your home. If you are willing to deal with a minor learning curve (not a carpentry expert--yet), you will get an extremely hard worker in the bargain. I'm thinking at least 15 hours a month--but that is flexible. I have experience with paint stripping, some staining and shellac, painting, and some masonry. Remember, not in construction by trade, just sort of fall into it here and there, but it's the experience I'd like to gain by assisting you. I also have a master's degree in design history--if you need to know what kind of shades will go with that 1880s newel post light, I can advise you on that too.

Also part of the bargain are two kind, considerate, trustworthy, mentally & financially stable, open-minded folks. We have two adorable cats (my fuzzy children) that are well-behaved. I've worked in animal rescue shelters and love animals of all kinds (the fuzzy, the fishy, the slithery, the feathery). We are rarely away (except for major winter holidays) and I would be happy to pet-sit, tend your plants, or weed your garden whenever you're away. We don't have dogs or children, and while we like them, we don't plan to have either anytime real soon.

As the subject indicates, we are looking to join a community--a place where we feel comfortable and can enjoy working towards a common goal--taking care of green space, preservation issues, neighborhood safety, heck, even block parties! We love the neighborhoods in Brooklyn and feel that many are much more connected than they are in Manhattan. I have moved around all my life and my husband is from a small town: we are very keyed into supporting local merchants, getting to know our neighbors, and know the reward of being part of local endeavors.

If you think that this kind of arrangement might work for you, I'm happy to put it all down in writing to make it more formal for everyone involved. Feel free to pass my post along to those you know who might need a hand and have some space. Looking for something very long-term (three years or more) and reasonably priced. Preferably in a safe area. Our current neighborhood is small on amenities but it is at least safe and that's important to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this over. Best of luck on your own preservation paths.

Kindly,
Jackie