Friday, June 21, 2013

United Housing Hosts Second Annual Scenic Hills Picnic

Event coincides with NeighborWorks Week and celebrates the area's parks and dams

 

United Housing, Inc. recently partnered with the Scenic Hills Neighborhood Association and the University of Memphis to host its second annual Scenic Hills Picnic. The event was held as part of NeighborWorks America’s NeighborWorks Week, which encourages neighborhood change and civic pride. United Housing also used the picnic to promote the Home Matters movement, which helps build awareness around home being a place where families thrive.

Since 2010, United Housing has acquired and renovated more than a dozen homes in the Scenic Hills area following a flood that breached the region’s dam and damaged homes in the neighborhood. During the picnic, attendees enjoyed lunch at Lochnevin Park and celebrated the recovery of the area’s parks and dams with their neighbors.


“We have really enjoyed getting to know each of the residents during the last couple of years,” said Tim Bolding, Executive Director of United Housing, Inc. “Our team had a great time during the picnic and we’re even more energized to continue our work in the area, which strives to showcase the significance of strong neighborhoods through our involvement with NeighborWorks America and the Home Matters movement."



The event also included a neighborhood bake and plant sale to raise funds for local civic groups, including the Scenic Hills Gardening Club and Women’s Association, who help initiate and execute revitalization projects in the area.



After lunch, Bolding thanked residents for coming to the event and discussed United Housing's mission and goals for Scenic Hills, as well as Shelby County and West Tennessee. He then introduced Shelby Country Public Affairs Officer Steve Shular, who spoke on behalf of Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell about the importance of neighborhoods and civic investment. 
 

Professor David Arrellano from the University of Memphis Chapter ofEngineers Without Borders was also on hand to discuss and answer questions related to maintaining neighborhood lakes and dams. 

About Home Matters 
Home Matters is a movement that United Housing helped launch earlier this year with the National NeighborWorks Association. Its goals are to help build awareness around home being a place where lives and families thrive, as well as serving as the basis for a stronger economy. 

About NeighborWorks America 
For 35 years, NeighborWorks America has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. United Housing is the West Tennessee representative for the organization.