In 2002, Virginia Beach Clean Community Coordinator Ruby Arredondo realized that there was a need for senior citizens who live in their own place to have yard work done occasionally to help them maintain their properties. Our first event was to organize some volunteers who came out to support Clean the Bay Day to help clean ditches and spruce up the yard. Ruby organized volunteers, donated materials, tools and debris removal services for a Saturday clean up. She also organized training with a City arborist and the Master Gardeners to train volunteers on pruning and other gardening practices.
In three hours, trees and hedges were pruned and leaves were removed from ditches. Donated plants and mulch were placed and neighbors were recruited to come out and help mow the grass after the transformation. The couple who lived in the house were both pleased and humbled that volunteers were able to do so much in so little time. As the program developed, Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission Volunteers obtained equipment donations and purchased tools to conduct clean ups. One of the most important things the projects have been doing is to improve the visibility and physical access to homes by removing plants and shrubs from accesses and windows to home of seniors. Blocked windows and doors create a safety hazard for seniors and public safety professionals who could be asked to come and help them.
The program requires that the owners be in owner occupied homes and townhomes within the city of Virginia Beach. Applications are reviewed and after contact is made with the owner of the property, arrangements are made for the project. Scheduling is coordinated thought the City’s public works waste management/recycling division. Clean Community arranges for volunteers, equipment and other logistics (such as fuel for equipment, food and water for volunteers).
Now in its 11th season “Helping Hands” Provides “Yard Make Over’s” using volunteers from businesses, military commands, schools and civic organizations. Support from he City’s public works waste management/recycling partners has made it a shining example of innovation and resources being used to gain the maximum benefit with minimum expense. The success is based on our dedication to caring, collaboration and commitment to our community. The program has developed partnerships within our codes enforcement and the TRIAD program who routinely nominate residents who meet the parameters for the program and could use the help. The program continues to develop teams and obtain support for equipment and other resources.
For more information about the Helping Hands program, please visit the City’s website.
Article written by askHRgreen.org team member Dan Baxter, Chairman Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission