Habit for Humanity to Host Rock the Block Neighborhood Revitalization Event

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to Host Second Neighborhood Revitalization Event of the Year in Pontiac
 

PONTIAC, MI – Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, in partnership with the Elam Family, will cohost a neighborhood revitalization event, known as Rock the Block, on Thursday, July 17^th.

The day will consist of a morning kickoff followed by yard clean-up, trash removal, branch trimming, hedge trimming, lawn mowing, and lawn edging. Rock the Block aims to ensure that homeowners reside in safe and appealing neighborhoods that not only contribute to increasing property values but also play a crucial role in fostering long-term neighborhood stability. The day’s activities include roughly 14 worksites.

This particular Rock the Block is a momentous occasion as it serves Pontiac’s eastside neighborhoods, where Habitat Oakland is headquartered, and is also home to the Elam Barbershop and family restaurants. Together, this partnership represents a deep connection to the community while also addressing one of the most pressing issues of safe and decent housing.

“Our work is made stronger through partnerships with community leaders like the Elam Family,” said Michele Hodges, Executive Director and CEO of Habitat Oakland. “Their passion for Pontiac and dedication to bringing people together perfectly aligns with Habitat’s mission to build thriving, connected communities.”

Rooted in service and neighborhood pride, the Elam Family brings a powerful legacy to this year’s session. Roland Elam and the historic Elam Barber Shop have long served as a gathering place and a symbol of pride for Pontiac, making them a natural partner in this collaborative revitalization effort.

“There’s a greater level of understanding when we come together. The partnership and dedication of the Beloved Community allow us to all move in the same direction – as a collective,” said Roland Elam.

Building the Beloved Community is a central focus of Habitat Oakland. It is the ability to mobilize corporate partners, volunteers, homeowners, and Pontiac residents to demonstrate the impact of collaboration and being on a shared mission to see the community thrive.

Beloved Community member, Kaino Phillips, shares “Because of our Habitat Beloved Community Initiative, we have been able to open up a welcoming pathway to bring individuals from this community to the table to be a part of our growth and solution.”

WHEN:    July 17th, 2025

                                8:30 am: Kick-off and opening remarks

                                9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Revitalization projects

WHERE:   Kick-off: Elam Barber Shop

                               Address: 485 S Sanford St, Pontiac, MI 48341

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDIA:

·       Interviews with Habitat leaders

·       Video and still photos of volunteers performing neighborhood clean-up

Rock the Block would not be possible without the financial support and volunteerism of corporate and community partners. For the July 17th event, Habitat staff and CORE volunteers will be joined by volunteers and participating organizations including the Elam Family, Piston Group, Beloved Community, Hutchinson, F&M Bank, Amazon, Waterford Bank, ChoiceOne Bank, David W Elliot Foundation, and Pepsi.

About Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County
In 1995, the Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County affiliate was established and has since helped over 1,700 individuals and families access safe and affordable housing. Habitat Oakland provides a variety of housing programs across the county, focusing primarily in Pontiac, Southfield and Madison Heights. These include homeownership opportunities for families making 50-80% of the area median income, financial coaching, critical home repairs, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Driven by the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, the housing organization has championed its mission to put God’s love into action and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. For more information about the affiliate and how to get involved, visit Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County's website.