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Paint your heart out

By Grace Ami, RCAC housing Colorado intern 

Two hundred volunteers work together to paint 13 houses in one day.

The Wyoming Housing Network (WHN) sponsored its second annual “Paint Your Heart Out” event on June 13. WHN recruited 200 local volunteers to help prepare and paint 13 homes that belong to low-income disabled and elderly residents in the Casper, Wyoming area.

Work began early, with an energizing breakfast at Mike Cedar Park catered and served by the Wyoming Community Development Authority. WHN staff pressure-washed and prepared the homes prior to the event so volunteers could start painting right away. The volunteers split into teams and worked tirelessly until all 13 houses were painted and looked like new. Twenty-five local and corporate sponsors donated paint, supplies, equipment and food. 

Without WHN’s assistance, these homeowners would not have been able to maintain their homes’ exteriors. “You will never know how much this means to me,” said Bob Antonovich homeowner. “I have always painted my own house until now and it’s been over five years since I was able to do it. To have it done means more to me than anyone will ever be able to understand.”

Before

The volunteer hours provided by the community combined with the coordination from WHN’s Greg Hancock, chief executive officer and staff provided a priceless service to the community. Homeowner, Ben Kern said, “I am so thankful for Paint Your Heart Out and what they did for me. Thank you so much for a wonderful job. It looks great ….”

After

WHN is a statewide nonprofit organization based in Casper that was founded in 2004 by RCAC, NeighborWorks® America, Wyoming Community Development Authority, Wyoming Community Foundation, Wyoming Fannie Mae Partnership Office, and other communities around the state to address Wyoming’s affordable housing and community development needs. WHN delivers planning, technical assistance and affordable housing services tailored to the needs of local Wyoming communities.

RCAC has provided financial assistance, staff and board training to WHN. Currently, RCAC is providing technical assistance to WHN on board development, strategic planning, project development and financing for both new and expiring affordable housing projects.

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