MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Homeowners in the Crichton and Toulminville areas of Mobile are getting a huge boost this week thanks to in-town and out-of-town volunteers.

Groups have spent the past few days painting and repairing homes using federal funds.

It was smiles all around Thursday afternoon as Mobile volunteers showed off their hard work. They painted five houses in four days and repaired several roofs.

“It’s great to be here and see the transformation that has happened because the houses that are rehabilitated are usually owned by an older person who really doesn’t have the resources and the network to get their house repaired” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

The city contributed $70,000 through grants to help make this happen. And for the second year in a row, they’re using the resources for good.

“To see them give back, come from different places and come together, that’s what it’s all about. I am grateful to the administration and the volunteer painting program. I look forward to more homes being completed in District 1,” said Councilman Cory Penn.

The volunteers are from Mission Serve, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization. And for them, it’s more about people than houses.

“Another part of what we do is engage with people in the community. We try to impress that on the children. That we will do the job. But work is not more important than people. We want to make sure students are interacting appropriately, communicating with these people, and getting to know them,” said Jeremy Myers of Mission Serve.

And the reactions of the owners are worth it.

“Several of them came out on the porch and talked to us. It’s great that they get involved in some way sometimes. Even painting their own house and getting involved,” Myers said.

Including 7 homes last year, 12 homes in total have been renovated thanks to this program.

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