Like an old fashion barn raising, approximately 30 volunteers gathered together Saturday, Oct. 19, to help a neighbor in need. 

Pam of Dartmouth had recently lost her husband and has been struggling with some health issues for some time. Though she loved living in her Dartmouth home, it was in desperate need of repair.

“It was really important to her to get the house painted, but she thought it was sort of out of her reach,” said Andy Pollock, executive director of Coastal Neighbors Network.

But after gathering help from the Buzzards Bay Habitat for Humanity’s Brush for Kindness Program, Coastline and the Congregational Church of South Dartmouth, Pollock was able to see to it that Pam’s home was transformed.

Pollock explained the Brush for Kindness Program, when not working on bigger projects, will help individuals in need with smaller, but still important projects, such as installing a home ramp.

On that Saturday, everything went “very smooth,” Pollock said, noting how Habitat for Humanity prepped the building, making minor repairs and scrapping off the hold paint.

Volunteers were then able to complete the painting by early afternoon, he said.

“It was very festive and collegial,” Pollock said, adding how people brought coffee and donuts and were treated to pizza for lunch.

“This was a wonderful start,” he said. “We’re looking forward to doing some wonderful things in the future.”

“It was exciting and heartwarming to see the community coming together to help this person remain in her home,” Pollock added.

The goal of the project goes right back to the mission of the Coastal Neighbors Network, which is to provide a network of resources and assistance for seniors who wish to stay in their own homes.

Volunteer Stuart Brown, who has been helping Coastal Neighbors for four years, said he met the homeowner shortly after her husband passed away and was keenly aware of her situation. 

“She is an incredible woman and it’s wonderful to be able to help fix up her house,” he said. 

“Our mission of helping folks remain in the homes they love is so important,” he added. “That’s why I volunteer.”

Brown said, “There are so many opportunities to help neighbors and you can do a little or a lot. The best part is getting to know the people we’re helping – it’s really gratifying.”