100 Hometowns ‘Rock the Block’ project boosts community morale

Mike Hendrix
Mike Hendrix

Staff Writer

Sep 30, 2021

September 11. It’s a day to remember and reflect on those who sacrificed so much for our country.  It’s also a day of National Service to give back to your community and build for the future.  This year, for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Megan Golike, project coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, wanted to do something special.  So, she nominated “Rock the Block Evanston” for a Lowe’s 100 Hometowns grant.

The project became one of the 100 impact projects celebrating the company’s centennial and supporting worthy initiatives across 36 states helping thousands of families. 

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Almost 400 volunteers showed up to modify and repair homes including things such as roof and siding repair, entryway modification and handicap accessibility, water heater and furnace repair, and general lawn upkeep and beautification.  These repairs not only keep these families in place but also work to prevent homelessness at its source.    

“It’s amazing that we were selected as one of those 100 projects across the country, we’re thrilled to partner with Lowe’s” said President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, Ed Lee. “We are equally excited that we have 30 Lowe’s associates out today as part of this effort, volunteering and making a difference in the community.”

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Those associates represent more than 13 stores in the greater Cincinnati area working to revitalize a community park. 

“This gives us a chance to come in and not just bond with the community but try to give something back to them after they have given so much to us as a company,” said store manager Ryan Bolen.

“To volunteer to come out and do a tough job, I think that means they care,” added Evanston resident Debbi Hill. They care about the community and that makes people happy.”

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