MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Rock the Block is building bigger than ever before. Organizers plan to renovate 100 homes in this area of Menasha on August 2nd.
This is the largest Rock the Block project in U.S. history. By the end of this year’s event, Rock the Block will have renovated 430 homes in the Fox Cities.
“Rock the Block at its core is showing people that they’re worthy of love,” Ryan Roth, the director of community development at Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity said.
“And we are able to work with them to improve the exteriors of their properties to make meaningful, impactful repairs for them so they can see that their neighbor, their friends, other community members care and are willing to help them help themselves and improve the neighborhood,” said Roth.
Menasha police say crime rates are down in areas near former Rock the Block projects. In these areas:
- Runaways have dropped by 78%
- Domestic disturbances by 75%
- Drug calls by 58%
Menasha Police Chief Tim Styka says Rock the Block brings communities together.
“We actually saw an increase of calls for service for things like suspicious vehicles and suspicious incidents,” Chief Styka said.
“So that tells us that people are talking. They recognize what’s different or new or strange in their neighborhood, because before they might not have cared or looked at that,” said Styka.
Rock the Block still needs $300,000 to build 100 homes. If you’re interested in volunteering, you don’t need any prior training. They’ll teach you everything you need to know when you get there.
If you’d like to donate or volunteer, you can find more information here.
