New Coats Offered to 40 Needy Homes

Susie Hill’s 1920s-era Cerritos Avenue house has gone without a paint job for about 20 years as her health has declined.

But on Saturday, Hill’s home will get a new look: light gray paint with dark gray trim. Volunteers already placed $1,500 in specially milled cedar on the home.

“I couldn’t do it, and the house was in really bad shape. I was even embarrassed to drive by it,” Hill said. “I really appreciate what they’ve done, and it’s going to look really good when they’re finished.”

Hill’s home will be among 40 locally that will be refurbished through Paint Your Heart Out Anaheim. The annual nonprofit program helps elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners.

About 1,000 volunteers, including teams from churches, businesses, service clubs, schools and the city, are expected to paint, said Carolyn Griebe, program coordinator. More than 1,200 gallons of paint and supplies have been donated.

Work has also included replacing windows and rotted wood, fixing gates and making roof, plumbing and electrical repairs. Some homes will receive new smoke detectors, others newly planted trees. Three homeowners will get their driveways repaved next week.

More than $200,000 in neighborhood improvements will be accomplished this year, Griebe said. Since the program started in 1991, 277 homes have been refurbished.

Volunteer information: (714) 974-9481.