Several houses around Columbus will get a fresh coat of paint just in time for spring thanks to a volunteer project that is the brainchild of City Planner Christina Berry.
The application process closed today, and Berry said she believes she will have enough supplies to paint 10 homes during the first annual event, which will be held March 31. Houses owned by disabled veterans, senior citizens and low-income single parents were eligible.
It’s a good deal for the homeowner and a good deal for the city, she said. It can cost between $500 and $800 to have an average house painted, so houses gradually fall into disrepair. Berry believes if people tackle one block at a time, eventually they can improve the whole town.
“I really just wanted to do something to make a difference and help somebody,” Berry said. “If you go through the neighborhoods, a lot of these homes are just in need of being painted, but a lot of people can’t afford it or physically can’t do it.”
She said response has been good, so far. A number of groups have contacted her about volunteering, and others have donated supplies or offered to sponsor houses.
Military Hardware, at 1002 13th St. N. in Columbus, is one of the businesses that has donated supplies. The third-generation, family-owned business is providing paint brushes, rollers, brooms and shovels.
A few weeks ago, the store donated supplies for volunteers participating in the “Scrape the Bowl” project, sponsored by the Link Young Professionals on Feb. 11.
“We just like to help out the community to let them know small town businesses do help, not the big box stores,” said manager Brad Perkerson. “We like to keep our town up and as fresh as we can.”
Berry said it’s not too late for people to volunteer for teams or donate supplies or funding. Groups can gather teams of 10, or individuals can sign up to be placed on a team.
For more information, please call Berry at 662-245-5061 or stop by her office at 1621 Main St.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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