Habitat Receives $22,500 Grant from Lowe’s to Improve Home Safety and Health Outcomes in Newport News
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg has received a $22,500 grant from Lowe’s to help with repair projects in the Newmarket Creek section of Newport News on Saturday, Sept. 24. The funding is part of Lowe’s partnership renewal with Habitat for Humanity that includes a donation of $2.5 million to support 100 local Habitat organizations undertaking home repair and rehab projects across the United States.
The Joint City Home Repair Blitz serves low-income, elderly, veteran and disabled homeowners who have struggled to maintain the exterior of their homes.
“We are so grateful to Lowe’s for this generous grant that will benefit so many local homeowners,” said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “By having these overdue repairs completed, the selected residents will be able to remain and live safely in their own homes. Our sponsors, Team Leaders and volunteers look forward to coming together for a full day of community service.”
The day will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 24 and continue until mid-afternoon. Team Leaders and volunteers are still needed. Repairs will be made to 15 homes. Anyone skilled in carpentry and general construction can be a Team Leader; no experience is necessary to volunteer. Anyone seeking to be a Team Leader or volunteer should contact Mimi Mitchell, Community & Faith Engagement Director at Habitat, at 757-913-5652 or mimi@habitatpgw.org.
In the event of rain, the Joint City Home Repair Blitz will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1. Newmarket Creek is on the city line between Newport News and Hampton.
All repair work will be performed free or at minimal cost by volunteers from the local Habitat affiliate. Materials are provided through community donations and United Way grants. Home repairs will include:
- Exterior carpentry (replacing hand rails, porches, stairs, ramps, etc.)
- House painting siding repairs
- Minor repairs to steps, gutters, fencing
- Safety-related improvements
- Removal of yard debris and cleanup.
Access to quality, affordable home repair and modification services continues to be out of reach for low- to moderate-income households across the nation. With the support of this funding, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg will be able to further its efforts of helping families in Newport News and Hampton make critical health and safety issues in their homes.
Since 2010, more than 350 homes in Hampton Roads have been improved through the Home Repair Blitz program. Neighborhoods are selected by the individual cities and localities. Contact your city to report a neighborhood in need of repair.
Lowe’s and Habitat began their partnership in 2003. Since then, Lowe’s has supported many of the global housing nonprofit’s efforts, including the Women Build Program and Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program. Lowe’s has also supported Habitat’s Cost of Home national advocacy campaign and sponsored local Habitat builds and employee volunteer days, in addition to providing affiliate grants and donated products. The company’s commitment through 2022 will bring the company’s total contributions to Habitat to more than $84 million.
