On Saturday, August 17th, Continental Cares and the Revitalize MKE team helped over 20 homes in Milwaukee during the annual Revitalize MKE Block Build. Continental sponsored a building owned by an elderly couple who have lived there for the past 14 years. The work consisted of scraping and repainting windows, sealing windows, installing grab bars, rebuilding balconies, and adding some much needed landscaping amongst many other tasks throughout the day. All tasks had a singular goal - to provide repairs and updates to make the couple's living experience safe in order for them to continue to live at their residence.
It was evident the impact that Continental and Revitalize MKE had on the recipients and volunteers included in this block build which, at the very least, gave these families a point of pride to continue to call Milwaukee "home". It was uplifting to see how small repairs help to reestablish these families' living experiences and reassures how easy it is to help the local community.
Many of Continental's departments were represented at the block build including Jim Schloemer, Continental's CEO, along with Kim Grimm and Ed Madell, two of Continental's Executive Team Members. Aside from what we were able to give back to the community, this was a great opportunity for team members to work alongside departments that they would not otherwise have the chance to interact with in their daily work in the office. At Continental, we believe in a One Team mentality. This One Team mentality is reflected in the daily workflow at the office and is reflected in our company culture.
About Revitalize MKE
Revitalize Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve affordable housing and revitalize vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. Revitalize helps stabilize neighborhoods through efforts targeted to help keep long term, existing homeowners in their homes. Most of the homeowners have lived in their homes for over 30 years and, over time, have experienced health and safety issues due to the disrepair of their homes and the inability to pay for local services. The repairs are performed by local volunteers at no cost to the homeowners. These repairs help the residents stay in their homes safely.