Rock the Block
MEDIA RELEASE
Who: Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Called to Greatness, Wayne Simien (former Kansas University and NBA basketball player)
What: Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Called to Greatness for Pensacola Habitat’s first ever Rock the Block. Rock the Block is a multi-day event designed to make an impact in a specific neighborhood, in this case Brownsville. Volunteers from Called to Greatness will work with Pensacola Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Department to help residents with yard cleanups, landscaping, large debris removal, painting, and small repair projects.
Called to Greatness is a college student ministry based out of Kansas whose mission is to help students discover, build, and start living a life of greatness. The visiting group is led by Wayne Simien, Called to Greatness’ Campus Development Director. Simien was formerly played for Kansas University’s basketball team and the Miami Heat’s 2006 NBA championship team.
Wayne Simien and Called to Greatness are no stranger to the Pensacola area. In 2015 the group completed several community service projects to revitalize Cantonment’s Carver Park.
Where: In Brownsville, just north of the Brownsville Community Center. The project staging area will be on the intersection of W Brainerd and Shoemaker Street. Projects will be at various sites on W Lee and W Lloyd between Grandview and Shoemaker Street.
When: Tuesday, March 12 – Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Volunteers and staff will be on site from 10am-3pm both days.
Why: Rock the Block is intended to not only bring a visible impact to the selected blocks, but to serve as an example of how improving the look of a neighborhood can increase community pride. The program will impact residents who are unable to maintain parts of their property, in many cases due to disability, age or limited income. This program works toward Pensacola Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope.
While Rock the Block is already planned out, residents can apply for home repairs through Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization Department on an ongoing basis. Support and training for neighborhood and community groups is also available. More information and an application can be found at pensacolahabitat.org/nr
Contact: Faith Higgins, Program Development Coordinator, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, 850-434-5456 or fhiggins@pensacolahabitat.org
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About Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1981, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian ministry whose purpose is to improve communities through sustainable partnerships. Having built and renovated over 1,300 homes, Pensacola Habitat seeks new and innovative ways to positively impact the community through various meaningful projects, including their Home Buyer and Neighborhood Revitalization programs. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity offers unique financing opportunities to qualified applicants to provide affordable home ownership in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. For more information, visit rethinkhabitat.org.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
About NeighborWorks America
For nearly 40 years, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. (d/b/a NeighborWorks America), a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit, has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and safe, affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $27.2 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. For more information, visit nw.org.
