In celebration of national NeighborWorks Week 2025, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise partnered with YM360 to impact the Oak Grove and Ridgedale neighborhoods, putting on a display of community spirit. The collaborative effort saw over 105 dedicated volunteers unite to rehabilitate 10 homes, strengthening the fabric of the Chattanooga community, said officials.
Throughout the week, volunteers from CNE and YM360 worked side by side on a variety of tangible home improvements. From porch painting and pressure washing to planting and general clean-up, their collective efforts brought immediate and visible enhancements to the properties. Beyond the physical transformations, the initiative fostered deeper connections, ignited a renewed sense of pride, and enhanced ownership among neighbors, reinforcing that this work extended far beyond beautifying properties; it was about building lasting community strength, said officials.
"We are incredibly thankful to every single person who showed up, worked hard, and brought joy into these homes," said Gracie Morales, CNE’s Healthy Neighborhoods manager. "Your positive energy and hard work reminded us that when we come together, we don’t just fix things – we build something lasting."
CNE’s participation in NeighborWorks Week highlights its commitment to the national NeighborWorks America movement, which mobilizes thousands of residents, businesses and community leaders across the country to create opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, build financial stability and strengthen communities. The 2025 theme, "Creating Homes, Building America," aligns with the mission of CNE and its partners.
A special thank you is extended to the Chattanooga Public Library for their support. Through their Library Tool Checkout Service, CNE and YM360 volunteers were able to access a wide range of essential tools, from painting supplies to gardening equipment, which were crucial in enabling the completion of the projects.