By
November 7, 2011

“Color Care Across America,” the initiative undertaken by The U.S. Conference of Mayors with Benjamin Moore Paints and members of the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), is in the homestretch. As reported in our last issue, the campaign to provide a color paint makeover for an emergency shelter in each state plus in DC, got underway in late September and, as of November 1, 32 facilities have undergone the transformations, literally from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon.

Mayors of nearly every city on the Color Care “to do” list have taken time out of their schedules and appeared at the shelters to express thanks to the volunteer paint crews and meet with the shelter directors and their management. They’ve witnessed first-hand how the color almost magically and instantly brightens and revitalizes a facility.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle started out his week with a Monday morning trip to the outskirts of the city and the Kahikolu Ohana Hale O Waianae shelter where he pitched right in, rolling up his sleeves and rolling on the paint. “We are very fortunate to live in a state where nature’s vibrant colors surround us every day and can put smiles on our faces,” he said. “So, we are truly grateful to Benjamin Moore for bringing extra color into the lives of those in need of emergency shelter and services. A new coat of paint may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference in how people feel.”

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman was fearless about picking up the paintbrush, even in her pale-colored silk suit. She had nominated The Salvation Army for Color Care, and making this project particularly unique was the volunteer participation of journeymen from the local 159 Chapter of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades who turned the job into a week-long training opportunity for apprentice painters—one more demonstration of goodwill in this community.

Though Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster was unable to personally visit Project Achieve during its makeover, he sent Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal. Her remarks about the impact of Color Care nailed the sentiments of so many others. “It might seem like a small thing to donate paint and donate hours, but it’s not. For a place such as Project Achieve to have a facelift in this way, it raises the dignity, and the respect—and really the self-confidence—for residents that are here. It’s not just meaningful for our city, it’s meaningful for every individual who takes up residence here.” The Long Beach experience also was a learning opportunity as the Los Angeles Painting & Finishing Contractors Association made it a program for their apprentices.

“A poignant, inspiring and compelling story emerges from each city we visit,” said Eileen McComb, director of corporate communications for Benjamin Moore, and the key engineer of Color Care. “It’s been emotionally fulfilling for all those on the giving side as much as it has been on the receiving end. Some of the shelters help those grappling with recent economic conditions; some serve those undergoing drug rehabilitation. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner nominated 314 Hudson Street, an apartment facility for developmentally disabled adults and their families, while in Portland (ME), Mayor Sam Adams nominated Streetlight & Porchlight, a safe house for child victims of human trafficking.

“Benjamin Moore is so grateful to have The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Painting & Decorating Contractors of America as its partners on this extraordinary journey,” McComb continued. “The word ‘amazing’ keeps popping up in comments from everyone we interview. That’s no exaggeration.”

To track the progress as Color Cares nears the finish line—which is expected to be soon after Thanksgiving—visit the website http://apps.facebook.com/bm-colorcare.