Community Corner
Hands On Athens Planning October Work Weekend
Volunteers are needed to paint two historic dwellings for low-income Athens homeowners
In an effort to expand its reach and be more responsive to community needs, Hands On Athens (HOA) will undertake painting and minor repair work at two homes in the historic Hancock Corridor the weekend of October 8th and 9th.
HOA is a volunteer-based program of the . Since 2000, it has annually worked on up to 16 houses during a three-day effort each April. To-date, the program has assisted nearly 100 low-income homeowners and carried out improvements valued at close to $1 million.
Volunteers are needed to pitch in during the October 8th & 9th work weekend. No special qualifications or prior experience are needed, just a willingness to work for several hours and help someone in need. Work shifts are planned for 8:30 to noon both days and also 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday the 8th.
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Work may continue into the afternoon of Sunday the 9th, if necessary. Volunteers may work one or more shifts and are asked to contact HOA to pre-register, either by calling 706-353-1801 or by emailing hoathens@bellsouth.net. Each volunteer will receive an attractive Hands On Athens t-shirt.
Hands on Athens began in 1999 through a partnership of the Athens-Clarke Foundation (ACHF) and the Athens Land Trust. That fall, a neighborhood clean-up was organized in one section of the Hancock Corridor. The following spring three houses were selected for repair work carried out by more than 50 volunteers.
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Over the years HOA has grown considerably. The program, now administered by ACHF and guided by a Steering Committee of local agency representatives, receives annual Community Development Block Grant funding through the Athens-Clarke County Department of Human and Economic Development as well as smaller donations from organizations and individuals.
The number of homes worked on each year has increased and volunteer numbers have swelled to more than 300 annually. Several local contractors donate their labor and expertise, enabling the program to make a real impact on neighborhood revitalization.
For more information, contact Hands On Athens at 706-353-1801.
