As REACH CDC celebrated its 40th anniversary, the Portland, Oregon, NeighborWorks network organization brought back its greatest hits. One of those hits was the annual repair-a-thon, a chance for neighbors to help neighbors. The organization held the event during NeighborWorks Week. Volunteers repaired six homes.
The theme of this year's NeighborWorks Week, held June 4-11, was Empowering Communities for Success. The repair-a-thon, held after a two-year hiatus, empowers communities by bringing neighbors together and supporting homeowners living on lower incomes with free home repairs and accessibility upgrades. NeighborWorks' network organizations empower people to change their life trajectory, says NeighborWorks' Senior Vice President of Field Operations Katie Watts.
The repair-a-thon brings attention to REACH's Community Builders Program, which works year-round on free home repairs and accessibility rehabs, connecting with 175 households a year. Peggy Kahl has benefited from the program more than once. "They've done quite a bit," she says. "They trimmed trees. They did electrical work and plumbing work. They added bannisters on the front porch and the back deck."
When Kahl first heard about the program, she wasn't sure she'd qualify. But she is on social security
and has a limited income, she says. When it turned out she was eligible, she was thrilled. "We don't have family nearby to help us," says Kahl, who has lived in her home since 1964. "This has really brought me peace of mind."
"There are so many great connections to NeighborWorks and community – and making the community stronger," says Lauren Schmidt, fundraising and public relations manager. Staff thought bringing back the repair-a-thon would be a good way to engage volunteers coming into the new normal. "We're bringing the community together to help neighbors. That's what NeighborWorks week is all about."
The six projects include installing a driveway to provide accessibility, fence replacement, exterior home painting, building an accessibility ramp, rebuilding a front porch, and yard cleanup. While seemingly small, the yard cleanups can make a big difference, Schmidt says. When homeowners get a citation for an overgrown yard, liens can add up. In the past, REACH has successfully resolved citations after a yard clean-up and the city of Portland's code enforcement has agreed to remove the fines. "Working with the city and homeowner to maintain safe and stable housing and easing financial burdens –it's a win all around," Schmidt says.
The week ended with a celebration featuring volunteers, sponsors, and homeowners. "Bringing everyone together celebrates that we are all just one community."
Learning about Lincoln
Meanwhile, at NeighborWorks Lincoln, staff members organized their first bike excursion. The tour included educational stops for residents and showcasing community development projects and changes in the neighborhoods, which are moving forward after years of disinvestment. Malone, the neighborhood where the excursion begins, once saw significant redlining. At each stop, guides talked about the physical transformation made possible by NeighborWorks Lincoln investment, says Rachael Surmick, chief operating officer for NeighborWorks Lincoln. "We have a good local trail system and wanted to think of a different way to highlight our work,"
To make sure that those who might not own bikes can also participate, the nonprofit partnered with BikeLNK, the city's bikeshare program, which made bikes available at no charge. The organization has done walking tours in the past, but this year wanted to try something different to reach a new audience.
Later in the week, at a block party in the Hawley neighborhood, residents toured a new greenhouse, part of the gardening movement started by Tim Rinne and Kay Walter. The greenhouse came from a grant the two received when they were honored with the 2020 Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership from NeighborWorks America.
06/13/2022
