A Washington, D.C.-based housing revitalization group and Seattle-headquartered insurer Safeco announced a new community building initiative today that will use volunteers in several cities to repair homes for the poor and elderly.

Safeco and NeighborWorks America said the program is aimed at improving neighborhoods and living conditions for thousands of families.

The joint announcement said the five-city Safeco Community Build Program in partnership with NeighborWorks America will “strengthen neighborhoods from the ground.”

Six local NeighborWorks network organizations will organize volunteers to complete more than 20 community beautification, rehabilitation, housing and homeowner education projects in their communities using a $500,000 grant to NeighborWorks America from Safeco, the project partners said.

The six NeighborWorks organizations participating in the Safeco Community Build Program are: Beyond Housing, St. Louis; Central Area Development Association, Seattle; IMPACT Group, Duluth Ga.; NeighborWorks, Waco, Texas; Reynoldstown Revitalization Corp., Atlanta; and Westside Housing Organization, Kansas City, Mo.

Safeco said it will call on company employees and independent insurance agents to work side-by-side with residents and NeighborWorks network member staff.

In all, the company said about 1,000 Safeco employees and community residents nationwide will donate 8,000 volunteer hours to lend a hand to elderly, disabled or low-income residents who are unable to keep their homes in safe condition on their own.

Volunteers will repair roofs, repaint homes, build access ramps and tackle other hands-on projects.

“The Safeco Insurance Community Build Program is an excellent opportunity for NeighborWorks network members to assist households that need a helping hand,” said Ken Wade, NeighborWorks America chief executive officer.

Paul Hollie, assistant vice president, Safeco Community Relations, said the company is partnering with NeighborWorks America “because their network organizations understand the communities they serve and know where we can make the greatest positive impact.”

Information about the Safeco Community Build Program in Partnership with NeighborWorks America is available from Douglas Robinson, NeighborWorks America, 202-220-2360, or Paul Hollie, Safeco Insurance, 206-545-3048.

Special Reports /

Safeco Backs 5 City Volunteer Housing Rehabs

Related Stories

Recommended For You