Soft-story wood-framed buildings have large openings where parking is tucked underneath. 

Sign your name, then put your title (e.g. member) underneath.

Most foundations I have seen have a pipe system arround the foundation that collects water underneath the house.

For those of you having a hard time picturing this, think of a tri-level with a basement underneath the main (middle) floor.

"It is in the valley that the soil is most fertile."

If it's because of poor soil conditions a steel beam will not solve the problem you will need to underpin the foundation.

There were some plastic planter boxes on the ground and an open bag of soil on a deck box, a bottle of insecticide in the grass where I fell and 2 partially empty water bottles thanks to kids.

Also, the appliances look older (dishwasher & stove) and I can see grease stains from your pictures underneath the vent hood.

If the soil underneath still has further potential for settlement, the jacking will only be a temporary fix.

The top layer might look decent but underneath shows that everything is failing.