Many ways to help!

How can I contribute?

Contribution Options

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Volunteer

AEC Cares invites professionals—designers, architects, engineers, and general contractors—to lend their time and expertise to support community projects. Volunteers contribute their skills to design and build welcoming spaces that make a real difference for those in need.

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Sponsor

With a range of sponsorship and donation opportunities, AEC Cares enables companies and individuals to support these transformative projects. Whether through financial contributions or donated materials, your support plays a vital role in bringing these initiatives to life.

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Pro Bono Team

AEC Cares assembles a dedicated team of design professionals and contractors who donate their time and creativity to ensure the success of each project. Their pro bono contributions ensure that every renovation and improvement meet the highest standards of quality and impact.

2026 Day of Service FAQ

 


Rachel's Women's Shelter Address:
759 Eighth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101


What to bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes you can stand and work in
  • Comfortable pants or shorts
  • A refillable water bottle (water filling stations and bottled water will be available)

How to get there:

  • You must arrive by 7:30 a.m. or earlier.
  • We recommend that you take a rideshare to the project site. Eighth Avenue will be closed in front of Rachel’s. All Lyfts and Ubers should drop off on the corner of F Street and 8th Avenue. The entrance for volunteers will be on F Street.
  • Note: 8th Avenue will be closed in front of Rachel’s. The gate will have an opening at the north end (main entrance) and another on the south end (for deliveries). All Lyfts and Ubers should drop off on the corner of F Street and 8th Avenue.

Prep Day: Tuesday, June 9

  • 9AM-4:30PM: ConstructConnect team members are invited to join us for a day of organizational work onsite at Rachel's Women's Center. Please plan to pick up your T-shirt prior to leaving. T-shirts will also be available for pickup at the registration table on Wednesday, June 10.

  • 6:40 p.m.: Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Our group will occupy Premier Club Suites 4 & 6. Premier Suite ticket holders can enter Petco Park at the Home Plate Gate at the corner of Park Boulevard and Tony Gwynn Drive. Food and beverages will be provided in the suite. Please note the bag policy for Petco.

    Note: You can walk to Petco Park from the
    Marriott Marquis in approximately 10-15 minutes or take an Uber to the Home Plate Gate.

Blitz Build Day: Wednesday, June 10

    • 7-7:30AM.: Registration, coffee, and breakfast items (fruit and muffins) will be available at Rachel's Women's Center. It is recommended that you take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to the project site. If you are traveling from the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, please allow 15 minutes. Upon arrival, you will receive a name tag with your project team assignment and pick up your AEC Cares T-shirt. Please bring your water bottle.

    • 7:30 a.m.: Jen Johnson will welcome volunteers, introduce teams, and lead the group in a large group photo prior to the start of work.

    • 7:30 - 11:50AM: Work with your assigned project team. Your team lead will outline the work to be completed. You must arrive by 7:30 a.m. or sooner.

    • 11:50AM: Transition to the seating area outside for lunch.

    • 12-1PM: Lunch and VIP Speakers in the seating area outside. VIP speakers will share their experiences with community rebuilding. We will also thank the pro bono design team, sponsors, and product donors for helping to make our day of service possible. Please stay after lunch to participate in final group photos!

    • 1-4:30PM: Return to work with your assigned project team. If your team completes its work, check in with a volunteer wearing an orange T-shirt to be reassigned to another open task.

    • 4:30 - 5PM: Clean up.

    • 6:00PM: Reveal party with tacos, a dessert bar, music, and celebration!