Over 50 volunteers rehabilitate homes in Pontiac neighborhoods

Over 50 volunteers rehabilitate homes in Pontiac neighborhoods

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County recently celebrated its fifth annual Rock the Block home revitalization event.

Approximately 51 volunteers, many from sponsoring companies and organizations, took part in the multi-hour endeavor that included more than 12 worksites and benefited approximately 30 homeowners in Pontiac’s Ferry Farms and Unity Park neighborhoods.

Sponsors this year included Crestmark Bank, Doeren Mayhew, Christ the Redeemer, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Henry Ford Hospital, Donyati, Aptiv and GFL Environmental.

Tim Ruggles, CEO and executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, said digital and physical canvassing took place in neighborhoods to gauge interest.

The organization advertises light exterior home repairs that include landscaping, yard cleanups, bush trimming, driveway and sidewalk fixes, front porch rehabilitation and more–“things from a visual perspective that lift an entire neighborhood,” Ruggles said.

Funding for projects mostly comes from sponsors, of which many return annually though new ones are accepted as well. Most of the Oakland County habitat work takes place in Pontiac and Southfield, he added, saying there is a “synergistic” effect when particular neighborhoods are revitalized year after year.

Homeowners pay a minimal price to benefit from more costly repairs.

“Residents typically don’t have the means either because of age or disability or other situations to actually get the work done,” he said. “Some can’t afford it as well, especially in the current market. A big part of this is the volunteers to actually have the strength to get the work done.”

Sean Stillwell, of Bloomfield Township, is a managing director at Donyati and has been a Habitat board member for seven years. His company had eight volunteers out that day.

“Think of it as beautification; think of it as helping families in their own community who may not have the wherewithal, the ability, the monetary opportunity to be able to fund and improve their homes in different ways,” he said.

The event took place last year, though masks were worn for safety. Stillwell said the past year has shown that citizens’ situations vary and organizations like Habitat are needed more than ever.

“It’s all about the mission,” Stillwell said. “It’s understanding that I have a social obligation to be part of my own community, and this is a great opportunity to help out people in my community and also enriches myself in the same process.”

Renee Shorter, of Ferry Street, said she’s had her gutters cleaned and porch repaired through Habitat’s work over the years. Her sunken driveway was fixed this year.

Jerry Craft-Daniels, the oldest of eight children, has lived in the same house her parents purchased more than 50 years ago, in the 200 block of Whittemore Street.

They are both deceased and she now lives alone. She has five brothers and one sister, all in the military. Her grandchildren make frequent stops.

“I’m very pleased because any help I can get…I was really impressed with them coming out and all the people here,” she said.

She benefited from Habitat in the past, getting work done on the roof above her front porch. On June 3, an array of volunteers were scraping and painting her garage while others cleared up a wooded area.

Doing this work herself, or paying to have others do it for her, could have cost her upwards of $2,000.

“It means so much and they’re all wonderful people,” Craft Daniels said. “We laugh and talk and they have great work ethic and are very helpful, very friendly. That’s been my experience every time. I just love the people.”

Two similar events are planned for August and October, the latter being in Southfield.

Published at Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:10:00 +0000