Neighborhood Enhancement Set For Historic Downtown Murrieta

Homes in Historic Downtown Murrieta will get a facelift this weekend.

In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, about 400 volunteers with the Murrieta Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are set to help spruce up 20 homes in the downtown area that need a little TLC.

The effort is part of Mormons Helping Hands, which is held annually and encourages congregants to outreach in their communities. About 72,000 volunteers throughout California and Hawaii are expected to do just that during the month of April in their respective communities, said Jeanne McClellan, who is heading up the cause for the Murrieta stake.

"We wanted to step it up this year so we partnered with Habitat for Humanity," McClellan said. "We are zoning in on some of the blighted areas around downtown Murrieta."

The volunteer effort is set to take place Saturday.

Oak Grove Center, a school for at-risk youth, will also get some needed improvements. About 100 volunteers will spend the day helping with painting and yard work on the school's grounds.

Gary Thornhill, vice president of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, said the organization is happy to join forces on this transforming day for the downtown area. The organization is using the day to provide "A Brush of Kindness" to residents who wouldn't get the assistance otherwise.

"Most people think of Habitat for homebuilding, but it is very important that we go out every year and help people. I don’t think we’ve ever had 300 volunteers come out," Thornhill said.

Money for refurbishing materials is being provided by a grant from Citi. Volunteers are set to meet at Hunt Field Community Center the day of the project. Other area organizations have also joined the effort, including the Murrieta Rotary Club. Miller Jones Mortuary has offered to provide food for the volunteers.

To find out if there are still volunteer opportunities, call Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley at 951-296-3362.