Volunteers from Blue Shield of California roll up their sleeves and bring color and care to the community with a fresh paint job on a West Sacramento home. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – The streets of West Sacramento were recently buzzing with hammers, laughter and hope as more than 400 volunteers, local businesses and residents came together for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento’s fourth Annual Rock the Block West Sacramento.

Powered by a $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation and a $50,000 annual commitment from the City of West Sacramento, this high-energy, two-day neighborhood revitalization event on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18 delivered 14 impactful projects across local neighborhoods. The projects, 11 home repairs and three community improvement projects, revitalized historically under-resourced areas and restored pride and stability for residents.

Rock the Block is presented by the City of West Sacramento and Wells Fargo and supported by more than 20 additional community sponsors. During those two days, volunteers completed vital repairs such as roof replacements, fencing, window upgrades, exterior painting, landscaping and more, all rooted in Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo gives Kristina’s home a fresh new look, painting the exterior with care and community spirit. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

Since launching in 2022, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento has invested more than $800,000 in West Sacramento, which translates into nearly 50 home repairs, more than 25 community projects and more than 12,000 volunteer hours contributed by 1,600 volunteers.

“Rock the Block represents partnership and compassion in action,” said Kimberly Coley, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento’s chief advancement and marketing officer. “When hundreds of volunteers, local businesses and city partners unite behind a common purpose, hope takes shape in powerful, lasting ways. Together, we’re not just repairing homes; we’re preserving dignity, protecting affordability and strengthening the future of our neighborhoods, one block at a time.”

For West Sacramento homeowner Judie, that support meant a fresh start and a more energy-efficient home.

Community volunteers helped remove old fencing and clear debris as part of the Rock the Block West Sacramento initiative. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

“My house is getting a new coat of paint and brand-new double-pane windows,” Judie said. “I know it’s going to make a big difference, keeping my home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. I’m just so grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

For Yolonda and her husband, a veteran, the impact was even more profound.

“We were close to losing our home if these repairs hadn’t been done,” Yolanda said, holding back tears. “Our whole family came out to help alongside the volunteers. I can’t stop crying: tears of relief, tears of gratitude. This experience reminds us that we’re not alone.”

Volunteer June Cato, who participated in Rock the Block for the first time last year, reflected, “It’s amazing what happens when people come together. You can literally see hope being built in real time. That’s why I keep coming back.”

The Rock the Block West Sacramento initiative is part of a five-year, $250,000 partnership between Habitat Greater Sacramento and the City of West Sacramento (2022 to 2026), with additional leadership from Wells Fargo and more than 20 local business and community sponsors. Together, they’re helping stabilize housing, preserve generational equity and strengthen neighborhood pride across West Sacramento.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento continues to expand its reach across the region. On Nov. 15, the organization will dedicate 10 new homes in Folsom’s historic district at an event open to the public from 10 a.m. to noon. The affiliate is also actively building 26 new affordable homes in Citrus Heights, marking the largest development in the organization’s 40-year history.

Teamwork in action! Volunteers, partners and neighbors came together at Habitat for Humanity’s fourth annual Rock the Block West Sacramento. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

As Habitat for Humanity celebrates 40 years of building homes, communities and hope, the organization invites the public to join its mission through donations, sponsorships and/or volunteer work. Every hand, every dollar and every hour makes a tangible difference in helping local families, seniors and veterans achieve stability through affordable housing.

To learn more about Rock the Block, apply for home repairs, volunteer or support future builds, visit online habitatgreatersac.org.