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Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County host 'Rock the Block' to help Pontiac residents

Posted at 5:57 PM, Jun 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-13 17:57:29-04

Summer time means block parties, but for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County it is a chance to spruce up a neighborhood.

Crews helped with the organization’s Rock the Block project in Pontiac today.

Velma Bell is one of the homeowners getting help.

“We really do need this,” she said. “It means a lot.”

Bell has lived in her home for the past 10 years.

Because of her health, she hasn’t been able to keep up with some of the repairs.

“I had knee surgery, both knees are bad," Bell said. "It was hard for me to get down those two steps.”

Cheryl Henderson is the director of philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County.

“We’re out here rocking the block in Pontiac,” Henderson said.

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County’s Rock the Block two-day project targets 10 homes in Pontiac, cleaning up yards and making much-needed repairs like Bell’s steps and railing.

“Any safety issues around the outside of the house will be addressed,” Henderson said.

Bell said that, “having repairs done to your home to make it look better, so it does a lot for the neighborhood.”

Bell is excited she can finally use the steps again.

“Oh I thank them so very much and they are so polite and they’re doing wonderful work,” she said.

Henderson added, “The community comes together and is making a difference here in Oakland County.”

Crews will be back out here tomorrow and then they will Rock the Block again in Southfield later this Summer.