Community Crews
Providing small concrete repairs for homeowners in the zone
Many of the older homes in the Green Impact Zone® have problems with stormwater getting into basements because of dilapidated sidewalks and foundations that need repair. And many young people in the zone need to learn a trade and find steady employment. Why not bring these two together?
Building on a successful effort begun by the Full Employment Council and the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, the Green Impact Zone's Neighborhood Leadership Committee is working with two Community Crews, made up of young people ages 16-24, who are trained to repair or replace damaged walkways around homes, sloping the concrete away from foundations to redirect stormwater. The goal is to complete repairs at least 72 homes in the next year.
Community Crew members receive both classroom and hands-on training. In addition to concrete finishing skills, they learn how to dig out and replace old sidewalks, fill in around foundations, and plant rain gardens to help absorb stormwater.
Homeowners in the Green Impact Zone are eligible to apply for work done by the Community Crews. Home ownership must be verified through tax or deed records. Green Impact Zone community ombudsmen are available to help homeowners complete the application form. Requests are submitted to the work crew supervisor, who will evaluate the requested concrete repair work and notify the homeowner if it is approved.
For more information, contact the Green Impact Zone office at 816-936-8803.
