It’s about more than just painting houses. It’s about building community.

Remember how, a few days ago, I told you that a bunch of folks in Ypsi would be coming together to paint a house in Depot Town? Well, it happened today, and it was completely beautiful. Here, for those of you who missed it, are a few photos, followed by information on how you can get involved in future events sponsored by the Paint Ypsilanti Project.

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Thank you to everyone who showed up and helped out, especially Erik Dotzauer, Heather Steenrod and Darin Francis, who not only coordinated all of the scrubbing, scraping, caulking, sanding and painting, but also fed us pizza, kept us hydrated, and repeatedly offered to coat our filthy necks with sunblock. Maybe it’s because this was the house where I first got to know my friend Caleb Brokaw, who passed away this past November, but I found it all so incredibly moving, working alongside so many incredible people to complete this task that he’d hoped to take on before becoming ill. It was really one of the more beautiful things I’ve seen this community come together to do, and I’m thankful to have been a part of it.

If you know of any homeowners in Ypsi who could use a hand, or if you’d like to help out by painting some weekend, check out the Paint Ypsilanti Project for details.

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4 Comments

  1. Darin Francis
    Posted July 18, 2016 at 8:08 am | Permalink

    Mark- Maybe it was a way to work through a profound loss with my hands or maybe it was the sense of longing for community but I was really touched by being a part of this yesterday as I am sure others were too. I have zero talent in the paint department but I’d join in on another project like this again in a heart beat. Paint Ypsilanti is such a blessing. Everyone should experience being a part of something like this at some point in their life!

  2. Heather Steenrod
    Posted July 18, 2016 at 10:05 am | Permalink

    We make a good team, this Ypsi community. And I’d sunblock your filthy neck anywhere, Mark.

  3. Ilana Houten
    Posted July 18, 2016 at 10:06 am | Permalink

    I wasn’t to able to be there this round, and am looking forward to being at the next one and contributing.

    Community members taking care of their community? THIS is the kind of movement that helps to make a city/state/country great, not bombastic polemic politicians building a wall.

  4. wobblie
    Posted July 18, 2016 at 3:20 pm | Permalink

    In the interest of community lets rename Westmoreland Blvd., Charles Kettles Blvd

    http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/obama-awarding-medal-honor-vietnam-vet-saved-dozens/story?id=40664893

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