FORT MADISON - The 2024 Paint A Thon dates are set for the week of April 22-April 26th– painting thru that week. But before painting can begin homes are needed. Now is the time the Fort Madison Partners organization starts seeking homeowners to fill out the application so qualifications can be verified. Applications can be found at Kempker True Value & Rental, Inc, Fort Madison Partners, Fort Madison Library and City of Fort Madison. The goal is to find three or four qualifying homes depending on volunteers.
During the week of April 22nd, teams will finish prep on the house and start painting as soon as prep work is complete. Volunteers are needed so get your group (friends from work, service organization, church group, etc.) together and call the Partner office: 319-372-5471.
“There are criteria, such as being owner-occupied one-story home, income guidelines, age guidelines, etc.” said Tim Gobble, Fort Madison Partners Executive Director.
“While I am looking for homes that fit our criteria, I am also looking for volunteers that are willing to help paint, as well as those knowledgeable- and with the tools- to help with some of the repair/replacement needs for the homes. Applications are requested prior to March 15, 2024, so there is time to conduct a site evaluation."
The Paint-A-Thon is an event in which volunteer groups paint the homes (owner occupied) of individuals living in the city limits of Fort Madison. This event allows homeowners with financial and physical limitations to have their homes painted free of cost so they can use their income to cover other important costs, such as medication, groceries, and utility bills. Residents will apply to have the exterior of their homes painted, then volunteers from civic groups, churches, and businesses lend a helping hand to paint, and local businesses and residents donate supplies.
The Paint-A-Thon is a major volunteer event. It takes 20 to 30 people per house with one volunteer leader. Volunteers will need to make themselves available at some point during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week. Volunteers must be 16 years old or older (parental/guardian signature on waiver required between the ages of 16/17) to be a part of a team and willing to put in the work to get the house painted. Waivers will need to be signed by all volunteers. Teams of volunteers are needed from businesses, churches, schools, industry, social service, and civic groups, etc. “
"We will need a “Team Leader” to be a contact that can then pass information along to their volunteers (teammates) and help prepare for the home selection process”," Gobble said.
“We will be looking for people who can crawl up ladders (if needed) and able to stand for long periods of time during this process. All are welcome to participate but the team leader will be responsible for delegating the tasks to those team members."
This project is great for anyone looking for an opportunity to help out others in the community. If your group is interested in volunteering, contact Fort Madison Partners via email at tgobble@fortmadison.com or calling 319-372-5471 by March 31st.
Once Community Action has qualified the house(s) and they have been inspected, a team of volunteers from the community will be assigned to scrape, prime and paint each house. Homes are painted throughout the week of April 22nd and work times will be set by the team leader. Team leaders will coordinate with their team and visit the home prior to April 19th to evaluate the home’s needs regarding prep work such as: debris removal, power washing, scraping of peeling paint, caulking and spot priming, etc. Some work may start the weekend prior to the 22nd to make sure the house is ready from the beginning
Fort Madison Partners is currently looking for sponsorships to offset the incidental costs of paint supplies, yard equipment, home prep needs, etc. as well as volunteer needs such as water, snacks, etc. These sponsorships will be promoted through media and social media outlets posts and signage at each home. Kempker’s True Value & Rental, Inc. has once again agreed to supply all the paint that is used, and Community Action of Southeast Iowa will help choose the houses to be painted and do small repairs if necessary. There are still a few sponsorship opportunities available, so give us a call. Monetary or painting supplies donations will also be accepted.
Volunteers will be needed from many community organizations, businesses, industries, and citizens to help paint with their “team”. This community beautification effort is a great way to help those qualifying candidates maintain their property (therefore helping local property values), increase energy efficiency, beautify the community, and lend a helping hand to someone that may not be able to do it on their own. The Paint-a-Thon is a collaborative effort between Community Action of Southeast Iowa, Kempker’s True Value & Rental, Inc and Fort Madison Partners- Beautification Foundation. This is a partnership venture to get something started for the betterment of Fort Madison and one funding source to the Fort Madison Beautification Foundation- a 501c3 Not for Profit organization.
For more information on how to get involved, please call the Partners office at 319-372-5471!
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