One Morning. 6 Homes. Lasting Change.

On a cool April morning in Mint Hill, rakes, paintbrushes, and pressure washers replaced the usual quiet hum of the neighborhood. Volunteers from the Canopy Housing Foundation, clad in bright purple t-shirts, gathered alongside Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity for the annual spring Rock the Block event—a hands-on reminder that caring for our homes also means caring for each other.

The mission for the morning was simple: make essential exterior improvements to homes in the neighborhood that needed a little extra attention. But behind every task—every freshly mowed lawn or painted shutter—was something bigger. A commitment to helping longtime residents remain in the communities they’ve shaped for decades. 

Over the course of the day, about a dozen volunteers—most from the Canopy Housing Foundation’s Realtors® Care Day team, an annual event where real estate professionals give back to their communities through service projects—joined a few neighborhood residents and Habitat staff to complete projects at six homes. They tackled everything from trimming overgrown weeds and refreshing flower beds to power washing siding and detailing mailboxes. Each small act contributed to something much larger: the health, safety, and vibrancy of the neighborhood. 

One of the homes belonged to Ms. M, a 77-year-old resident. Previously, Habitat had partnered with her through the Critical Home Repair program to address major needs at her home—including repairing her roof after she was swindled by contractors who had merely layered new shingles over a failing structure. For Rock the Block, we came back to help with upkeep: raking gumballs, mowing the lawn, clearing leaves from her gutters, and spreading mulch she already had on hand. 

“These aren’t just yard chores,” said Chris, our Construction Manager. “They’re ways to show our homeowners that they’re supported and valued. We don’t always get to finish everything we’d like, but what matters most is that they know we’re here—and we’ll keep showing up.” 

Volunteers like Sharon were struck by the power of that presence. "Senior citizens really appreciate having just a little help," she said. "Often, they see their homes slowly deteriorating around them but are no longer physically or financially able to keep up with the work." She continued, "It lets them maintain that level of independence a bit longer. And it shows that we, as realtors and neighbors, care about more than just selling houses—we care about keeping people in them."

For Beverly, another volunteer, the reward came in the moment the dirt washed away. “Pressure washing is so satisfying,” she laughed. “But really—it’s amazing what a little effort can do. It gives back more than you expect.”  

Even Jack, a neighbor who didn’t feel the need to request services because he was able to manage maintenance on his own, felt compelled to step in. A long-time Habitat supporter, he grabbed a rake and pitched in, even pressure washing the home of a neighboring family whose daughter plays with his granddaughter. "I am blessed to have done well," Jack shared. "And I think as a part of that, you have to spread the wealth a little bit." After hearing about Ms. M's needs, Jack volunteered to check back in with her in a few weeks to see if he could help her with some of her yard upkeep. 

Rock the Block is more than just a one-day event. It’s an extension of our Aging in Place and Home Preservation Initiatives—efforts that focus on helping homeowners address maintenance challenges early, improve their living conditions, and stay rooted in the communities they call home. 

Because sometimes, keeping someone in their home is the most powerful kind of housing solution there is.