A $70,000 Lowe’s Grant to Habitat Kent will support a summer of resident-driven activities

By Luke Ferris, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association will host a launch party Saturday, June 3rd from 1-3 pm at Cesar Chavez Elementary School for the third annual Roosevelt Park Curb Appeal Contest.

The Curb Appeal Contest is a home beautification contest organized by Habitat Kent in collaboration with the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood. Participants receive a gift card to Lowe’s at the start of the competition and then compete against their neighbors to improve the exterior of their home. At the end of the contest, prizes are awarded for homes that show the greatest improvement. Organizers plan to engage 160 participants in the contest this year.

The contest kicks off a summer of resident-driven activities and events in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood supported by a $70,000 grant from Lowe’s to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. The funding is part of $1.75 million in grants Lowe’s awarded 22 Habitat affiliates across the country to support more than 84 Neighborhood Revitalization projects.

“In the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, the Lowe’s grant will help residents make improvements to their homes, their blocks, and continue bringing their vision for the neighborhood to life,” said BriAnne McKee, executive director of Habitat Kent.

In addition to the Curb Appeal Contest, Lowe’s grant funds will support resident-led neighborhood beautification projects, including first steps and short-term goals for implementing the newly created area specific plan, “Viva la Avenida.” These projects could include creating and hanging new light post banners, creating custom artwork for bus shelters, and painting mini-murals on utility boxes along  Grandville Ave.

The Lowe’s funds will also help launch the first annual neighborhood awards in partnership with the Grandville Avenue Business Association and support a neighborhood ArtPrize venue in partnership with the Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities.

“Lowe’s shares Habitat’s vision that having a safe, stable home helps bring strength, security and pride to families and ultimately communities,” said James Frison, Lowe’s community relations director.

Through Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization approach, Habitat affiliates offer an expanded array of housing services and partner with local residents, housing leaders, community groups and businesses to transform neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life in communities.

A national partner since 2003, Lowe’s has committed more than $63 million to Habitat for Humanity and helped more than 6,500 families improve their living conditions. Each year, Lowe’s provides grants and volunteer assistance to affiliates, supports National Women Build Week and conducts how-to clinics at stores to teach volunteers construction skills.