APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Hammers are swinging and paint is flying in West Appleton this week as the Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity kicks off its latest Rock the Block event — a three-day neighborhood revitalization effort focused on light home repairs, landscaping and community projects.
Volunteers began work Thursday morning on 14 homes in the neighborhood, offering free improvements to residents in need. The program, now in its 11th year, aims to help homeowners maintain safe and beautiful homes while strengthening community pride.
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“This is our opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents who live in this neighborhood,” said John Weyenberg, president and CEO of Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity. “The cost of housing has continued to rise, and Habitat is here to try and make a difference, whether it’s building new homes or helping fix existing ones.”
This year’s kickoff was especially meaningful for Ida Fischer, a longtime Habitat volunteer who has donated more than 3,000 hours of her time to the organization. For the first time, she’s also a Rock the Block recipient.
“I wanted my bushes trimmed and my porch painted and also the locks replaced on my doors because they were getting kind of scary,” Fischer said. “So they said sure, we’ll do that.”
Fischer, who has volunteered at Habitat’s ReStore for more than 15 years, says Rock the Block has always been her favorite part of the organization’s work.
“It does my heart good to be there and it does more for me than it does for them, just to be there,” she said. “We have such wonderful employees, wonderful volunteers, and really wonderful customers.”
Mayor Jake Woodford was on-site Thursday morning, greeting volunteers and ready to lend a hand.
“Just an exciting day to get out into the community and provide support for people who need help getting caught up on their list,” Woodford said.
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In addition to residential work, Habitat is also supporting public projects throughout the neighborhood. All repairs are funded through donations and carried out by volunteers.
Rock the Block runs through Saturday, May 17
