Habitat for Humanity events aim to beautify and clean up Ypsi Township neighborhoods

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is combining its clean-up and beautification events in Ypsilanti Township into a large-scale neighborhood initiative called Rock the Block. Events are planned throughout the spring and fall with goals of strengthening housing stability, improving neighborhood safety, and deepening community ties.

Events will take place throughout Ypsi Township, hitting West Willow on May 8, the area surrounding Firwood and Elder streets on June 12, and Sugarbrook on Oct. 23. Each day will bring volunteers, residents, and community partners together to complete exterior home repairs, yard work, and neighborhood cleanups designed to create visible improvements in a short time while supporting long-term stability for homeowners.

Leah Tessman, Habitat’s director of grants, corporate, and faith giving, says the organization does not choose locations arbitrarily but works closely with residents and local officials to identify where support is most needed.

“We partner with neighborhoods in Ypsi where we could have the greatest impact on quality of life,” Tessman says. “We’ve been working with West Willow since 2011, and returning to neighborhoods like Firwood/Elder and Sugarbrook builds on the work we’ve already done there.”

Rock the Block follows three homebuilding projects on Firwood Street that broke ground in spring 2024, but these events and other efforts by Habitat are increasingly emphasizing neighborhood-wide improvements that help current residents remain in their homes safely and affordably.

For many residents, the need is practical and urgent. Home repairs can be expensive or physically demanding, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, or homeowners living on fixed incomes. Tessman explains that even small improvements can reduce risks and help residents stay connected to their community.

“Home repairs can be overwhelming for people who don’t have the time or resources to focus on the outside of their home,” Tessman says. “When a lot of hands come together, it can really impact people’s mental health, their access to the community, and their sense of ownership.”

Rock the Block events are structured to produce both immediate and lasting results. Volunteers may install gutter guards, remove brush, paint exterior surfaces, or clear debris from walkways. Tessman says those improvements go beyond aesthetics.

“These events strengthen neighborhoods by improving safety, curb appeal, and, most importantly, increasing housing stability,” she says. “They support homeowners with outdoor projects they might not be able to tackle themselves.”

Claire Simpson, Habitat’s home improvement program manager, says planning for each Rock the Block event begins months in advance and involves assessing homes individually, since each property has different needs.

Last year, Habitat completed about 30 projects through similar efforts, and organizers hope to expand that number to as many as 35 to 40 this year, with roughly 10 homes addressed during each event day. Projects can range from vegetation removal and painting to minor repairs that improve drainage and prevent damage. Simpson says the program has grown rapidly as demand increases. 

“As our population ages and the housing stock in Ypsi is aging, these repairs are necessary to keep people safely housed,” Simpson says.

While the physical work is important, Simpson emphasized that the emotional and social impact is just as significant.

“The most successful events are when people feel they gave something back to the community,” she says. “It’s a lot less task-focused and a lot more community-based.”

Rock the Block is also designed to strengthen relationships between neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations. Habitat is seeking at least 100 volunteers for each event and encouraging participation from faith groups, businesses, and civic organizations. Tessman says the collaborative model reflects a broader philosophy that neighborhood revitalization works best when residents help shape the projects themselves.

“We’re responding to what the community needs,” Tessman says. “Nothing is stronger than neighbors helping neighbors.”

Longtime volunteer Wendy Correll has seen that effect firsthand. She began volunteering with Habitat several years ago and now serves as a regular team leader at community projects. Correll says clean-up and beautification events like Rock the Block stand out because they bring volunteers directly into residents’ daily lives, often helping homeowners who once maintained their properties independently but now face physical limitations.

“Sometimes it’s a homeowner who spent years caring for their garden and just can’t anymore,” Correll says. “Being able to restore that pride in their home is incredibly rewarding.”

She says the scale of the work can be surprising. In one past project, dozens of volunteers completed work in a few hours that might otherwise have taken residents an entire season.

“It’s amazing what can be done when that many people show up to help,” Correll says. “You see the impact right away.”

For Habitat leaders, that immediate transformation is only part of the goal. They say the deeper purpose is building long-term stability, helping homeowners remain in place, strengthening neighborhood relationships, and creating conditions for communities to thrive.

More information about the upcoming Rock the Block events is available here. More volunteer opportunities and information about Habitat’s work in Ypsilanti can be found here. 

“It’s easy to see the impact you’re having with this work,” Correll says. “Six people working on someone’s yard can bring them real joy, and that’s what makes it worth it.”