CAPNA performs ‘block makeover’ on Denson Avenue
CULLMAN, Ala. – Volunteers with and employees of Community Action Partnership of North Alabama (CAPNA) have taken on the challenge of performing needed maintenance and repairs for homeowners in the 100 block of Denson Avenue Southwest during a week-long neighborhood revitalization event nationally recognized as “NeighborWorks Week.” This is the second consecutive year the Cullman area has hosted a block makeover event.
Tim Thrasher, CEO of CAPNA, said the project helps address a multifaceted issue within our community: helping homeowners with disabilities or on fixed incomes perform much-needed maintenance and repairs, and showing a true spirit of community by uplifting those members of the community who may need a hand.
“Revitalization in Cullman not only impacts the immediate appearance within the neighborhood, but it (also) promotes a belief by all those affected that true community and support still occurs and exists. To sum it up, NeighborWorks Week revitalizes the soul of the residents, workers and partners involved,” Thrasher said.
Terry Jones, son of a homeowner whose home is included in the block makeover said the project hit his heart, in the best way possible. With Jones’ parents elderly, terminally ill and on a fixed income, the home was in need of repairs and mobility hacks that might otherwise have not gotten done.
“I lived in this house until I was 21. This is my birth home,” Jones shared as he teared up. “My parents have lived here for over 50 years. Just to see my birth home getting fixed up, I’m speechless.”
Yet, not every homeowner is so eager for help, or understands the motivation from CAPNA to do the work, according to Candy Ayers, director of homeownership services at CAPNA and coordinator of NeighborWorks Week.
“Sometimes it’s a fight at the beginning; they don’t understand. Sometimes it’s a pride thing,” she said. “I tried for six weeks with one homeowner to get her on board. They think we’re either trying to buy their home, that a lien will be placed or that there are strings attached.”
Thrasher maintained that the goal of NeighborWorks Week is to just assist those homeowners who may be disabled, elderly or living at the poverty level who wouldn’t have the resources to do this otherwise.
“Hopefully it just helps the homeowners take pride in their home, and our community,” he said.
To learn more about CAPNA, check out https://capna.iescentral.com.
