The annual Paint the Town event in Anchorage gives back to the community by helping seniors, veterans, and disabled residents freshen up their homes for the summer when they aren’t able to.
Jim Mackenzie, with NeighborWorks Alaska, said, “Paint the Town has been going on actually since the 80’s. I’ve been associated with it for ten years. It’s a lot of fun.”
Over the years, Paint the Town has reached more than 200 houses so far. With one more being added to the list today, and hopefully another one tomorrow.
Lindsey Hajduk, also with NeighborWorks Alaska, shined a spotlight on those who were putting in the work, “The teams who are out here today, Wells Fargo and Northrim Bank are doing the hard work and making sure this program continues to serve our community”
NeighborWorks Alaska has been around for over 40 years, beginning in Spenard. Meaning this year’s event, focused in the Spenard neighborhood, is a homecoming of sorts.
Lindsey Hajduk continues, “Neighbors coming together and doing things like painting homes, home repair, that kind of thing. And we grew, to now provide affordable housing all across our community.”
That sense of community isn’t lost on anybody here today, and there’s no better way of building community than getting your hands little dirty.
Desiree LaLonde, with Northrim Bank, added, “When there’s events like this where we can get out and get our hands involved in that I think it’s a good opportunity to represent the core values of the bank.”
Giving back is on the top of everyone’s mind here, but the gratification of a completed project is also a bonus.
Jim Mackenzie added on, citing the effect this event can have, “You’re getting corporations out here who actually donate the time, do the work. But then at the end result the home looks great, and everybody else is going ‘Hey I like that, what can I do to be a part of it’ and then it’s a domino effect.”
NeighborWorks Alaska is always eager for community nominations or even additional volunteers. Using one brushstroke at a time to make the community a better place.