- Agency Hosts 9th Annual Community Paint and Beautification Day in Brownsville on March 16th -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – Miami, FL – Allow us to paint you a picture. The Brownsville neighborhood has been hit hard by the housing crisis, leaving many homes in foreclosure, boarded-up or abandoned. The real estate crisis is leading to decreases in property values in the vicinity, which discourages community involvement and further withdrawal of interest from local residents. But, thanks to the efforts of the Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida (NHSSF), hope is on the horizon. As they prepare to paint the town – of Brownsville, that is, many residents will have access to sustainable housing. With a little pre-preparation, brushability concentration, custom colors for decoration, and varnish stain for solidification, residents will be on a roll – no pun intended.

Each year, NHSSF hosts its Community Paint and Beautification Day, affectionately known as Paint Day, to “spread” hope and offer help. Homeowners have been selected, houses have been prepped, and South Floridians are gearing up to lend a helping hand for the 9th annual event. This popular event will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. The fun-filled line up of events commences at Jefferson Reaves Park, located at 3090 NW 50th Street in Miami, Florida.

“This is a fun-filled event that provides a great opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together for a common goal and help someone in need,” says Arden Shank, president of NHSSF. “For over 30 years, NHSSF has worked to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen communities across South Florida. We have no plans to stop now and will continue building communities that yield opportunities.”

During the event, Paint Day participants will provide restoration to the exteriors of 10 deserving, low and middle-income homeowners, as well as landscape their front yards. Noted VIP community leaders have been invited, as well as special entertainment by community bands and special athletic teams. In addition, volunteers from throughout the South Florida community have been invited to come out and support this worthy cause. Earth Advisors, Inc., a noted consulting firm specializing in landscape, horticulture and education, is among the volunteers lending their expertise as well as event day manpower and post event education.

The 10 families selected have committed themselves to improving their neighborhood in more ways than one. In total, the families have donated countless hours of volunteer time, tools, and have donated lunch for event volunteers. These homeowners have done their part in making their neighborhood a better place to live. This is a testament to the fact that Community Paint and Beautification Day becomes an even stronger partnership between NHSSF and the Brownsville community, each year.

Miami-Dade County, through the coordinating efforts of its Office of Sustainability, will augment NHSSF’s resources by adding sustainability-related activities, including a home energy savings workshop, a showerhead/light bulb exchange, as well as other activities and programs designed to assist residents with reducing their energy and water consumption in order to save money. In a small community like Brownsville, working together on a project of this magnitude can help create a stronger neighborhood unit.

Alongside its community partners, donors, and gracious homeowners, over 300 volunteers are needed to join NHSSF and commit their energy and effort to beautifying Brownsville on March 16th. Volunteers will represent all walks of life including faith based organizations, corporate entities, government officials, and various other social organizations. Community Paint and Beautification Day will truly be an exercise in all of South Florida coming together.

This year, NHSSF will also sponsor a School Supply Drive to benefit the two local elementary schools, Lorah Park and Earlington Heights in another effort to support the Brownsville community in a tangible way. Residents, volunteers, and businesses are encouraged to support this effort. Donations will be accepted at NHSSF’s Miami Dade office and at Jefferson Reaves Park on Paint Day.

“This is a dynamic event with a dynamic purpose: to encourage neighbors helping neighbors,” said LaTonda James, Lead Community Organizer for NHSSF. “Our team and volunteers will help to revitalize the area in a powerful and meaningful way.”

Although this event will have a great impact on the local community, NHSSF’s commitment to the Brownsville neighborhood extends far past this one day. Working alongside their neighbors, participants will help improve South Florida’s streets, one neighborhood at a time.

For more information about NHSSF and their Community Paint and Beautification Day, contact Bernadette Morris of Sonshine Communications at 305-948-8063.

About Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida

Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida (NHSSF) is a local nonprofit organization that collaborates with residents and other stakeholders to stabilize neighborhoods and develop sustainable housing. A chartered member of the NeighborWorks® network, NHSSF is amongst a nationwide network of 245 trained and certified community development organizations at work in more than 4,400 communities across America. NHSSF is a certified Homeownership Center, a HUD approved counseling agency and has adopted the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling. NHSSF provides a full spectrum of homeownership services in English and Spanish to assist potential buyers in reaching their homeownership dream and assist current owners to preserve their homes. For more information, please visit www.nhssf.org.  

MEDIA NOTE: Interviews with NHSSF leadership team, as well as VIP guests, are available upon request. To schedule an interview or request/obtain photos and more information, contact Bernadette Morris directly at 305-948-8063, ext. 201 or via cell at 305-450-0942.