Making the world a better place

GREEN BAY – Over the past week, you may have noticed strangers in your neighbors backyard painting garages, building fences and completing garden work.

That could be the operation of Neighborworks’ sixth annual Good Neighbor Week, a time where volunteers from all over the community come together to help fellow neighbors in need.

Homeowners get the opportunity to apply to get that extra boost with their homes.

Volunteer and leader of projects, Will Knappen, said, “Instead of judging the ‘worst’ house in the neighborhood, think ‘what can I do to help them?’ And I believe there is nothing more American than that.”

When people see the work being done, it inspires them to lend a helping hand.

Homeowner recipient, Richard Van Remortel, stated, “This is the most wonderful thing that could have happened to me. They are saving me money I don’t have.”

Many of the selected homeowners include single moms, disabled people, the elderly and anyone who is just not able to do it themselves, in the areas of Green Bay, Allouez and De Pere.

Volunteers describe their work to be very enjoyable. “

When you see the faces of the homeowners, there are no words needed. I love what I do,” said volunteer, “Big Mama,” from the Seymour Park Neighborhood.

“As a veteran, my service to my country does not end when my military service ends,” Knappen stated.

“If I get paid, it’s not fun anymore,” said volunteer, Pete Shedlosky.
The amount of homes Good Neighbor Week is able to select and work on, depend on the amount of volunteers involved every year.

This year, in Allouez alone, they were able to work on six houses.

“We look at the makeup of our committee to see what skills we need to work on to make next year better. We want to find ways for people to help at home, like with sponsors, recruiting volunteers, social media and more,” said Vicki Bokelman.

“I think as long as we keep doing a little more every day, we can make the world a better place,” added Knappen.