The Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is kicking off its fall Rock the Block event on Doty Island in Neenah Sept 21 to 23.
Fox Cities Habitat’s Rock the Block program is helping Doty Island homeowners make home repairs that affect the health and safety of residents. Thanks to donors, the first $10,000 of each project is at no cost to the homeowners. Participants in Rock the Block are required to ‘pay it forward’ by volunteering in some capacity to positively impact the community.
“Homeowners are feeling the pressure from the increasing cost of everyday living,” said John Weyenberg, CEO of Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity. “Fortunately, generous donors have really stepped up to meet the need. The Rock the Bock initiative will be able to cover the expenses of critical home improvements without burdening homeowners with additional loans.”
Participants of Rock the Block are required to help with their home renovation project or with Rock the Block community projects in what Habitat calls “sweat equity.”
“I had a water leak in my basement and a porch that was in such poor condition that my homeowner’s insurance agent sent a letter insisting on its repair,” said Doty Island resident and Rock the Block recipient, Yolanda Brant. “I have come out of retirement and am going to school and was concerned about how to immediately afford the repairs. When I saw the Fox Cities Habitat Rock the Block program was coming to my neighborhood, and found out that I had been accepted, it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. To know the repairs will meet the requirements of my home insurance and provide a long-term solution to the water in my basement, it’s worth taking the time off work to help my community.”
The Rock the Block program works on both residential and community-based projects providing repairs, including roofing, siding, window and door replacement, porch repairs, exterior repairs and improvements, painting and landscaping. All work through this program is made possible through volunteers and community donations. Following Rock the Block events, people have reported experiencing an increased level of pride in their neighborhood as well as a renewed friendship with fellow neighbors.
To learn more about Rock the Block, including how you can make a donation or sign up to volunteer, visit foxcitieshabitat.org.
