Root Access and our neighboring business, Sour Milk, have been battling roof leaks for years. Recent storms have pushed the building past its limit. The roof membrane is worn thin, sections are soft and unstable, and parts of the ceiling inside Root Access have collapsed or suffered significant water damage.

Temporary fixes are no longer enough. The entire roof requires major repair.

Root Access, Sour Milk, and our landlord are working together to complete this repair. All donations made through this fundraiser will go directly toward roof restoration and related interior repairs.

Based on preliminary assessments, we expect the total project cost to run $20,000+. All funds raised will be put toward:

Roof restoration or replacement materials
Roofing labor and contractor services
Replacement of water-damaged ceiling tiles, insulation, and fixtures
Cleanup, moisture mitigation, and stabilization work

This work isn't optional — leaks are actively damaging the space, our tools, and the areas where members work. Repairing the roof protects everything we do here: classes, workshops, meetups, all of our tools and equipment, and the space itself.

Root Access is a nonprofit community hackerspace, run entirely by volunteers. If this space has helped you learn, create, repair, or find community, we're asking for your support today. Every donation helps. And every dollar goes directly to these repairs.

Thank you for supporting Fresno's community hackerspace! 💜

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't the landlord covering all of this?
Our landlord has been supportive of Root Access and the community for years, and he is contributing to this effort. The reality is that the scale of the needed repairs exceed what any one of us can comfortably absorb alone. By working together, we can complete the repair properly and ensure the building is secure for years to come.

What if donations exceed the goal?
Any additional funds will go toward related building repairs caused by the leaks — ceiling restoration, insulation replacement, safety fixes, and moisture mitigation.

What if we don't reach the goal?
All funds raised will still go directly toward the repair work. We'll scale the approach based on available resources and prioritize the most urgent issues first.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Root Access is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations made through GiveButter are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I donate outside of GiveButter?
Absolutely. If you prefer to donate by check, cash, or another method, reach out to us and we'll make arrangements.

When will the repairs happen?
We're moving as quickly as possible, but the timeline depends on weather conditions and contractor availability.

Roof & Ceiling Repair Fund

Help keep Fresno's community hackerspace open and safe!