Every neighborhood has its own unique charm, but sometimes a little facelift can make a world of difference. This is where the Brush Up Hutch program comes into play, bringing a fresh coat of paint and a renewed sense of pride to homes in need. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about uplifting entire communities, one house at a time.
Brush Up Hutch, a partnership between Interfaith Housing & Community Services Ministries and the City of Hutchinson, has gained significant momentum thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Originally a city-exclusive program, it has now expanded its reach to include Reno County, magnifying its impact.
Before the ARPA funding, Brush Up Hutch was painting between six to 20 houses a year. The infusion of ARPA funds has greatly expanded the program, and last year alone, over 100 homes were painted. The goal for this year is even more ambitious, aiming to double the number of houses painted. This exponential growth showcases the power of community collaboration and adequate funding.
Participating in Brush Up Hutch is not just about receiving help; it’s about being part of a larger community initiative. This collective effort sends a powerful message: when a community works together, it can achieve remarkable things.
“We moved into this house in 2013, and the outside of our house really was in bad disrepair and really needed painting badly. I called up Interfaith Housing. They said stop by, fill out an application, which was a very simple thing to do. They let us know they'll take care of the paint for us, which was amazing,” said Ron Nisly, Brush Up Hutch recipient. “It was just exciting to be able to participate in a community project like this. And it's just neat to see that the community's working together to try to help people improve the looks of their places. If we feel good about where we live, then other people see that.”
Brush Up Hutch is a great example of how targeted initiatives can bring about substantial improvements in communities. By providing the necessary resources and support, this program is helping residents feel good about where they live and encouraging them to take pride in their neighborhoods. As more homes receive a fresh coat of paint, the transformative power of Brush Up Hutch continues to grow—a stroke of genius, indeed.