Vice Mayor Tina Vick kicked off the third annual Newport News Home Repair Blitz this past Saturday morning. Habitat for Humanity was once again the principal partner for the Blitz with support from other organizations including the United Way, Trivent Builds, and Lowe's. In an effort to support the great work of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood was the focus of this year's blitz, and the Boys & Girls Club (Hampton and Jefferson) served as the host.  Over the course of the day, 10 qualifying homeowners were assisted. Approximately 150 volunteers, including City and Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority staff, worked to complete projects ranging from minor landscaping and painting to building a shed and back deck.

This year in addition to the blitz, the Choice Neighborhood Planning Team hosted its first Neighborhood Cleanup and Block Party. Residents, partner organizations, community volunteers, and City and housing authority staff joined together to do some spring cleaning and celebrate their ongoing commitment to transforming the Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood. Volunteers gathered at Marshall Early Learning Center, where they were split into teams and provided supplies for cleanup. Volunteers picked up litter between 16th and 28th Streets between Madison and Marshall Avenues, along with a portion of Ridley Place, before heading back to the school for food, music, and activities for the kids.

The Block Party was made possible through the generous support of J. Smith Enterprises (McDonald’s), Uncle Nick’s Premium Meats, Hornsby Tire and Service Center, Naval Station Norfolk Special Operations Department, The Mariners’ Museum,  Virginia Living Museum, Couture Cakes by Nika, and Newport News Public Schools.