It's Time for Some Internet Magic
Hi.
Have I mentioned lately that you're looking great these days? I mean, seriously. You look great.
You know what doesn't look great? This.
It's okay, I suppose, as long as you don't look too closely. If you look too closely, you notice things like the uneven decking that leads to much tripping and falling.
And the benches that need some TLC.
The gaps under the fence that lead to animals sneaking in to do things like eat through cables.
And, well, the overall starkness of the space.
This space is the patio/yard at the Center for Victims emergency shelter. It's the space where men, women, and children who are escaping a violent situation stay while they fight to turn their lives around. Up to 27 people live there at any given time.
But, for obvious reasons, they stay inside.
It's time for us to fix it.
I'm still working on some things behind the scenes, but at the end of it all, we're going to need some money to get this project done. We have a crazy talented Landscape Architect who is donating her time to design plans that are as cost efficient yet functional as possible. With her help and the help of some others, I'm confident we're going to be able to do a lot with a little.
For example, a few cans of paint are going to go a very long way.
We're going to paint that gate and wall. Center for Victims hasn't been able to do so because budgets are tight. We're also going to paint those bright blue doors and that white(ish) storage building.
The storage building is structurally in great shape; it just needs a good power washing and coat of paint.
We're also going to fix those benches. New wood and some stain or paint will make them as good as new.
And, most importantly, we're going to replace that deck. While we're doing it, we're going to solve another problem. Animals are taking up residence under that deck (it's only about a foot off of the ground), so it's going to be replaced with concrete or patio stones. So long things that go bump in the night!
When we're done with all of that, Bedner's is going to come in and add landscaping. It's going to be AMAZING.
But first we need to buy that paint, the wood for those benches, and the patio stones.
Whether you've got $1 or $100 to help out, it will matter. Every little bit will come together and it will make an incredible difference in the lives of some kids who could really use a little difference right about now.
And the best part? This is going to be the kind of gift that gives for years and years. Ten years from now, Center for Victims will still be telling people about their amazing patio that the Internet built.
Ready?
Let's go!
Use the button above to donate any amount you want. Want to buy a can of paint? Great. $20 should do it. In the mood to fix a bench? That's about $35. Want to own a piece of patio? Great! $3 will get you one square foot if we end up with our lowest cost plan, or you can take care of several square feet. If we get that much done, there's more we can do to make the space even better. Baby steps, though.
Every little bit matters.
(If you're itching to donate your time, hang tight. Once we have funding, we'll work on scheduling a painting crew, a crew to rip out that deck, and another crew to put in the new patio.)
(If you know any local companies that might want in on this fun, holler my way. The email address is burghbaby (at) gmail.com.)
(Of note, the space is much smaller than it appears in the photos. Wide angle lenses have that effect.)
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Reader Comments (9)
You're such a kind soul. Keep me in mind when it comes time to actually do the work. I have a network of college students that would love to tackle something like this. And I would, too. I'm not sure how far away this place is from Greensburg; but I imagine it's in the Pittsburgh area.
Check with Lowe's for their annual donation event. I forget what it is called. Also check with a local BSA troop that needs service hours. Or local high school honor societies, etc. Teens are always looking for service hours and are great workers. Or even if a Scout needs an Eagle Scout project.
This might be another project entirely, but that long alleyway is crying out for a mural...
Oh this is so needed! When I worked there we had a family of cats (5 kittens at one point, I think) living under that deck. We tried to get them in cages so they could get spayed but couldn't get them to come out.
I would ask local BSA troops about making some of your projects Eagle Scout Projects-it is a great way to get things done, some kids can get donations for materials in addition to what you are able to contribute so your money goes twice as far! WalMart can donate gift cards...you just have to go fill out the applications at each store and the committee votes on it. It might at least help with some of the materials. Also, what about community foundation grants? United Way has volunteer groups...they might be able to help. I will be making a donation to help you out...you do great work!
i love you. so hard.
thank you for playing point here.
and for making donating so simple.
Chipped in for some (eventual) twinkle lights!
But if it goes to paint or benches, I will consider that a success.
I am not sure if this is the same CFV but my company went in and made what we call a Bright Space..a play room for the children and we also updated the two upstairs lounges. We did get some things for that outside area but ran out of money
You are amazing. What an inspiration to your two daughters about how to be a badass world changer. I wish I could donate more than I did, but am definitely looking forward to hearing about how to volunteer with the project!!!