NeighborWorks America Gives Pensacola Habitat for Humanity $4,000 Grant for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 29, 2021

Pensacola, Fla.- On Saturday, Oct. 23, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity helped three neighbors during its Neighbors Helping Neighbors event in the Westside Garden District, thanks to a $4,000 grant from NeighborWorks America.

Nine residents of the Westside Garden District volunteered their time to complete repairs and safety adjustments for three of their aging neighbors. Kristin Brown, resident leader of this project, and Donna Pruett, a Pensacola Habitat Community Development Committee member, started Neighbors Helping Neighbors and worked closely with Pensacola Habitat to plan and execute the event. These projects included yard work, lighting installation, porch repairs, handrail installation, and much more!

"I think the Westside Garden District realized connections were missing in order to help one another in the neighborhood after Hurricane Sally hit. Reaching out and helping our neighbors was so rewarding. They have been in the neighborhood for many years and were happy to share stories about the area and grateful for our assistance. It was a perfect day of new friends, food, and fun and a great way to build and grow our friendships and neighborhood community," stated Kristin Brown, resident leader of the project.

 The Community Development Program works to preserve homeownership for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties residents by engaging and empowering them to revive their neighborhoods and become leaders within their communities. It offers services that enhance the quality of life. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a neighborhood-specific program within Pensacola Habitat's Community Development Program which focuses on helping residents age in place safely while also building relationships with their neighbors.

“Events like this one embody exactly what Pensacola Habitat’s Community Development Program is all about: connecting neighbors and empowering them to make a difference in their community. We couldn’t have done this event without the help of the Westside Garden District residents and NeighborWorks America. We look forward to growing this initiative by expanding it to other neighborhoods in our area,” stated Emma Field, Community Development Manager.  

To learn more about how you can support Pensacola Habitat’s Community Development efforts, visit pensacolahabitat.org/communitydevelopment.