A Big Thanks to Supporters of the Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful Program!
“A miracle come true” is how homeowner Karen describes the experience of having her home painted through the Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful program. In one week in July, volunteers from Habitat for Humanity’s AmeriCorps program was able to transform not only the outside of Karen’s home, but lift her spirits.
During this summer we had hundreds of volunteers come together from throughout the Pierce County community to help paint the homes of 24 low-income homeowners. Crews were formed through faith communities, workplaces, unions, schools and military service to name just a few.
When asked why they volunteered, many responded that they do so for the camaraderie, sense of community and the joy it brings to the homeowner. We are fortunate to have many volunteers return year after year and 2015 was no exception. This was the 25th year that Spanaway Lutheran Church has painted a home, and the 31st year for the Exchange Club of Tacoma who painted the very first house back in 1985!
We are thankful to our partners including Habitat for Humanity, who provided the paint for the homes, to Gray Lumber and Sherwin Williams who made sure that the volunteers had the materials they needed to complete the projects. We are also grateful for the City of Tacoma, Sequoia Foundation, and Florence B. Kilworth Foundation for providing the funding, along with many individual and congregational donors. And of course, the program would not be possible without volunteers! Homeowners continue to express their thanks to the wonderful volunteers who helped this year: “You really brightened my day and made me smile (still smiling). I’m really enjoying the great new look – what a difference it has made having the foundation painted! Thanks again for the wonderful service PTB does for us lower income seniors! God bless you.”
Associated Ministries is grateful to all the volunteers who painted, assessed homes and helped spread the word to homeowners and the community about the need. Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful relies on community members to come together and help their neighbors. Through their work they help maintain affordable housing, eliminate blight, reduce isolation for vulnerable homeowners, and increase community connections for homeowners and volunteers alike.
Although volunteers won’t be painting again until next spring and summer, it’s never too early to sign up! “Both individual volunteers and volunteer groups are welcome,” says Amy Allison, PTPB’s Director. “Whether you can serve for just one day, or you can take on a project from start to finish, we value your support!” To apply, visit www.PaintBeautiful.org.
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