The second annual Rock the Block neighborhood revitalization work session will look to extend last year’s success with more local volunteers working on more Perry houses. This year’s Rock the Block, sponsored by Dallas County Habitat for Humanity, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 20 through Saturday, Sept. 24.
Omar Padilla, director of Dallas County Habitat for Humanity, said volunteers may register in advance on the Dallas County Habitat for Humanity website or just show up at 8 a.m. at the shelter house in Wiese Park any or every morning from Tuesday to Saturday.
Padilla said this year’s Rock the Block ambitious goals build on 2015’s accomplishments.
Three houses were revitalized last September, and this year’s goal is at least five houses, with a maximum of eight houses if enough volunteers turn out, he said.
Padilla has served as coordinator of Dallas County Habitat for Humanity since May 2015.
Five neighborhood revitalization events were held around the county this summer — Perry’s will be the season’s final block rocking — and Habitat’s goals were met or exceeded in Waukee, Adel, Redield and Dallas Center, Padilla said.
“We’ve seen great support across Dallas County this summer,” he said, “and I expect Perry will be the same. I’m excited to see people are really concerned about the city’s housing and are eager for improvements, whether it’s through tax abatement programs for high- and middle-income residents or revitalization for low-income residents. That’s exactly why Habitat for Humanity is here.”
Dallas County Habitat for Humanity’s Rock the Block events bring together homeowners, organizations and volunteers to assist low-income residents with needed repairs and maintenance, including weatherization, safety, accessibility and beautification.
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Perry is one of the local Rock the Block sponsors, and Pastor Jeremy Winter reminded his fellow Perry Kiwanians Tuesday about the annual event and the importance of supporting the local community.
Padilla said he was grateful for all the local support in Perry. He said Dallas County Habitat for Humanity will continue to be “a visible and active presence going forward. We’re here to help.”
