Agatha the Reluctant: Battling Mold, Rust, and a Possibly Haunted RV

March 21, 2025

Donna Castillo-Garcia RN, BSN

Executive Director GRBB

Being deeply intrenched in her own form of trauma, we have given Agatha a theme song.

Week 2 of work on the Bridge Builders ICT mobile office is swiftly approaching its conclusion, and I find myself reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that this journey has been. It's like a theme park ride, but instead of screaming with joy, I'm screaming at the universe, "Why me?" The challenges we are facing are not merely physical but also deeply psychological. Each day brings new trials that test our resolve and patience—kind of like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions, but with more grease and fewer Allen wrenches.

When cleaning turns into an art form: creating masterpieces of mess to conquer chaos!

According to my extensive research (which mainly consisted of watching DIY disaster videos on YouTube), this type of damage isn't uncommon on a Class C vehicle like this one, especially considering its age. It’s like finding out your favorite vintage jeans have a hole in them—classic but not exactly desirable. However, what I have yet to encounter in my exploration of similar projects is the level of extensive damage we are grappling with. It’s like the vehicle decided to audition for a role in a horror movie: “The Return of the Rusty Screech.” To make matters worse, the previous attempts at repair have only made things worse—like putting a Band-Aid on a shark bite. Who knew fixing a mobile office could feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded?

Looks like this wall decided it wanted a bit more fresh air! Time for a redecoration, or maybe a new hobby in interior demolition?

Transforming this mobile office into something that looks like it might actually be livable has taken so much effort, we could have probably solved world hunger instead. But here we are, stuck trying to fix not just the damage, but also the questionable DIY repairs that were made before we arrived. It’s like peeling an onion, except instead of tears, we’re just left with more layers of foam and silicone that seem to have been applied by someone who thought they were decorating a cake. Each time we pry off a layer, it’s like a surprise party for hidden issues—except nobody wants to be invited, and the gifts are all broken. It’s a never-ending cycle of “Oh great, what now?” at every turn!

When they said it was a "fixer-upper," I didn't think they meant I'd need a semester of architecture and a coffee IV!

Agatha's Resistance

The name of comic book witch and infamous anti-hero Agatha, seems fitting for this vehicle. More than just the physical labor involved, I’m starting to suspect that Agatha might be possessed, haunted, or simply reluctant to undergo the rehabilitation process we’re attempting. After all, who wouldn’t hesitate about getting a makeover from a group of amateurs? It feels as though she has a will of her own, resisting our efforts at every turn—much like our chosen Amy Winehouse theme song, stubbornly refusing rehab.

This week alone has been filled with a series of unfortunate events that could rival a slapstick comedy. A drill fell from its resting place and struck me, leaving me with a busted lip—just what I needed for my next Zoom meeting. Then, my respirator unexpectedly snapped back, resulting in a black eye; I guess Agatha wanted to give me a new look. On top of that, I’ve accumulated an array of bruises, scrapes, and scratches of varying severity all over my body, making me resemble a walking Jackson Pollock painting.

Experience the ultimate open-air concept: where the ceiling disappeared faster than the last slice of pizza, and the panoramic views come with a free breeze!

The Toll of Transformation

So here we are, questioning whether we can truly pull this off. Is it too late to call in an exorcist? Or at least a contractor who knows what they’re doing? At this point, I’m half-expecting Agatha to start levitating or whispering sweet nothings in a language I can’t comprehend. But hey, if we survive this ordeal, we’ll have one heck of a story to tell—assuming we live to tell it!

Attempting a DIY mission: not quite a jack of all trades, definitely not a master of RV renovation!

The physical toll of this project is becoming increasingly apparent, but let’s face it, we’re not backing down! Each time we pull off a panel or piece of furniture, it feels like we’ve conquered a mini mountain—only to find out there’s a whole range of new challenges waiting for us. But fear not! With every obstacle, we’re sharpening our skills and building our team spirit. So, let’s rally together, channel our inner superheroes, and tackle these challenges head-on. We’ve got the strength, the resilience, and a vision to transform Agatha into the mobile office of our dreams. Onward and upward!

Expansive vistas—perfect for contemplating life choices, like why you decided to renovate a vehicle.

The Saga of Agatha: A Comedy of Errors

Ah, Agatha—our beloved witch on wheels, with more quirks than a whole season of sitcom characters. Every time we think we’ve figured her out, she throws us a plot twist that would make even the best screenwriters green with envy. As we navigate through her myriad of challenges, we are reminded that every setback is just an opportunity for a good laugh. It’s like Agatha’s way of keeping us on our toes—but fear not, dear readers! Our spirits remain high, fueled by hope and an alarming amount of caffeine.

Join Us for the Next Episode!

So, will we conquer Agatha’s challenges, or will she continue to thwart our efforts? Will we eventually find that elusive “sweet spot” where everything works perfectly, or will we be left scratching our heads and laughing at our own misadventures? One thing is for sure: the next chapter of our adventure is bound to be filled with more humor, unexpected twists, and the unwavering tenacity that fuels our mission! Buckle up, because this ride is just getting started!

We’re Taking It to the Streets: Agatha the Mobile Office Is Changing the Game for Homeless Services

March 12, 2025

Donna Garcia RN, BSN

Executive Director GRBB

Bridge Builders ICT is thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our mission to support those experiencing homelessness! We are proud to introduce Agatha, our brand-new 35-foot nomadic office. This bold imitative will revolutionize our ambassador's efforts, enabling them to take our peer-to-peer homelessness navigation and advocacy services directly to the communities that need them the most. With Agatha on the road, we can reach individuals and families who may not have access to traditional support systems, thereby expanding our impact and fostering meaningful connections.

Agatha is a 1995 Ford Eldorado Class C RV

However, it's not all smooth sailing! In a rather unexpected turn of events, we faced a significant setback right from the start. We encountered a major issue when all six tires blew out just half a mile down the road as soon as we made the final payment. It quickly became apparent that while Agatha had a charming exterior, her underlying condition was not as sound as we had hoped. This experience has taught us to use caution when investing and the importance of following our intuition when negotiating marketplace deals.

Although she appeared to be in good shape, we could tell things may not be as good as they seemed on our second inspection.

Someone had put a lot of time and energy into all the wrong things to make her look livable; the seller kept referring to 'cosmetic' problems and 'good bones',

As we dug a little deeper, it was appearent that the damage was glossed over by temporary solutions--

Despite these initial challenges, we remain optimistic and excited about the journey ahead. We are gearing up for a full gut and rebuild of Agatha, which will allow us to create a truly inspiring workspace tailored to our needs. The mechanics of the vehicle are in great shape, providing us with a solid foundation to work from. This gives us a unique opportunity to design a dream office that not only meets our functional requirements but also reflects the values and mission of Bridge Builders ICT.

All of the 'fixes' on Agatha were from products not intended or appropriate for an RV on the road designed to be water tight. We could tell that there was water damage, but it was difficult to determine how extensive it was due to the very thorough cover up job.

The smell of mold and mildew was so strong we had to wear masks; here my family and I are starting to do some of the superficial demo. The kids were excited and made a great volunteer team. But is was very clear that they could only help so much due to health concerns.

We invite you to take a sneak peek at the initial stages of our demo, showcasing the potential of Agatha as she embarks on her journey. Our team is committed to documenting every step of this process, so stay tuned for updates as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of transforming this vehicle into a fully functional office on wheels. We want you to be part of this adventure, sharing in the excitement of our progress and the hurdles we may encounter along the way.

Despite the set backs and the unknown cost to rebuild, we know that this is the answer GRBB was searching for on how to deliver our service to where its needed most.

As we embark on this transformative project, we are eager to share our vision and progress with you. From the design phase to the final touches, we will keep you updated on our journey, highlighting both the successes and the obstacles we face. Together, we can turn Agatha into a beacon of hope and support for those in need, proving that with determination and creativity, we can overcome any challenge. So, hang tight and prepare for an incredible ride as we bring our mobile office to life!

Support Peer-Led Wellness Programs: Grassroots Bridge Builders ICT

In a world where the issue of homelessness continues to be a pressing concern, grassroots organizations are stepping up to make a meaningful difference. One such organization is Grassroots Bridge Builders ICT, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness through peer-led wellness programs.

At the core of Grassroots Bridge Builders ICT's mission is the belief that advocating for the unhoused community should be done through a trauma-informed approach, led by individuals who have themselves experienced homelessness. By empowering peers to take on leadership roles in advocating for better health and social outcomes, the organization aims to create a community of support and understanding. On their website, you can learn more about Grassroots Bridge Builders ICT's story, mission, and leadership. The Programs/Initiatives section highlights the various ways in which the organization supports individuals experiencing homelessness, from wellness workshops to peer support groups. Visitors to the site are also encouraged to get involved through volunteering, becoming a member, or forming partnerships with the organization. One of the key aspects of Grassroots Bridge Builders ICT's website is the Donate section, where visitors can make secure contributions to support the organization's efforts. Whether it's a one-time donation or a recurring contribution, every dollar helps further their mission of providing much-needed support to those in need. In addition to donations, the Events section keeps visitors informed about upcoming fundraisers, workshops, and other initiatives that support the unhoused community. By attending these events, individuals can show their support and learn more about how they can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Overall, Grassroots Bridge Builders ICT's website serves as a hub for information, engagement, and action. By supporting peer-led wellness programs, we can all play a role in building a more compassionate and inclusive society. Visit the website, get involved, and help make a difference today.