Homeowner FAQs
You've got questions? We've got answers!
Here are some of Paint the Town's most commonly asked Homeowner questions.
Yours isn't listed? Feel free to reach out with the button below.
How does this work?
Each year Paint the Town picks a neighborhood in the Greater Cincinnati Area and asks homeowners to apply to have the exterior of their home painted at no cost to them. Our team of wonderful volunteers interview the homeowners, take photos of the outside of their home, and inform the homeowners what to expect in exchange for a fresh coat of paint.
This sounds too good to be true. Is it really free?
Yes! There is no financial cost to our homeowners. All we ask for is a little of your time and a friendly face for our volunteers to interact with should your home be selected. Don't worry, popping out to say "Hi" and "Thank you" is plenty, if you are an introvert!
We are able to accomplish this with the support of our corporate sponsors and the time of our many generous volunteers who work hard to give the outside of your home a little lift!
Sounds great, but what are the selection criteria?
-
You must own and live in your home (we don't paint rental properties).
-
You must be available in March for our interview team to collect the information we need to provide you with a high quality paint job.
-
Your home exterior cannot be unpainted brick or vinyl siding (if you don't know, we can tell you!)
We want to help the most people we can, but we focus on those who are physically or financially unable to paint the home themselves or to hire professional painters.
What's the interview process like?
Our interview teams reach out to every homeowner who applies. We get to know you, assess our technical ability to paint your home, and compile all the information for our Selection Committee. This includes: allowing us to take exterior photos of your house, discussing your history in the home, involvement in the community, if you have children living in the home, and if you're a veteran. We will also confirm the income level you provided on your application.
When does all this happen?
Interviews typically occur in the month of March, Homeowners will know if they have been selected in May, and painting happens in early June! Your interview team will have exact dates for you when you meet.
Do I get to pick the color my home will be painted?
Yes! If you are selected, you will get to pick a main color and trim color for your home from our selection pallet, which has been curated by the experts at Sherwin Williams.
I'm in! How do I apply?
You can apply online at apply.paintthetowncincinnati.org.
Volunteer FAQs
You've got questions? We've got answers!
Here are some of Paint the Town's most commonly asked Volunteer questions.
Yours isn't listed? Feel free to reach out with the button below.
Can I volunteer for half the day?
Due to the nature of the event, we're not able to accommodate half-day painting volunteers. Please plan to spend the entire day with us. Volunteers must attend morning registration to get their house assignment and hear announcements (you'll get registration details the week before the event). Buses transport volunteers to their assigned houses and lunch is provided on-site. Buses will return you to the registration site when the house is complete.
If you're not able to commit the full day, we do need non-painting volunteers for specific tasks such as: set up, parking direction, registration, lunch delivery, supply sorting as houses finish, after party help (serving food and drinks), and after party clean up. Non-painting opportunities, including areas and times, will be posted with the online registration.
Can I drive to myself to my team's house?
Unfortunately not. For many reasons, volunteers are not allowed to drive themselves to their team's house. First, parking is tight in many of the neighborhoods and we want to respect the neighbors parking spots! Second, we will be using many tall ladders; the more room we have to maneuver ladders the better. Third, who doesn't want to ride a big yellow school bus? If you're first on, you can sit in the back with the cool kids.
Should I volunteer if I don't want to climb a ladder?
Yes! There's plenty of "low" work to do at Paint the Town. When you register on our website, just indicate the ladder height you're comfortable with.
What if I don't have a "corporate" team to paint on?
No problem! If you're a "general" volunteer for Paint the Town, you might work alongside corporate team members or you might work on a house sponsored by Give Back Cincinnati.
What should I wear and bring with me to volunteer?
Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on, including shoes that cover your whole foot (no sandals or flip flops). Wear a hat to shade your face from the sun and keep paint off your hair. Bring sunscreen (maybe in a backpack to set on the porch or lawn) and a reusable water bottle (we'll have cool water for refills at each house). You'll want your driver's license for the after party, but lock the rest of your valuables out of sight in your car. Every volunteer will be provided with a t-shirt with all of the sponsor logos on it.
What about breakfast and lunch?
Breakfast (with coffee) will be available during registration. Lunch will be delivered to you at your house, and houses will also have snacks and water. There are vegetarian options available for breakfast and lunch, but if you have any other special dietary needs please plan to bring your own food to fuel your day.
Is it OK if I volunteer with my child?
We have limited volunteer opportunities for children. Unfortunately, no volunteers under 18 are permitted at the houses. We'll be working with ladders, scrapers, and other equipment at Paint the Town. To ensure safe worksites for all our volunteers, we cannot permit those under age 18 at the homes. However, we would love help with parking direction in the morning, delivering lunches and sorting supplies as houses finish. For these tasks we can accept a limited number of volunteers over the age of 10, with the presence of a parent or guardian at the volunteer home base. Please reach out to us with the button below if you would like to volunteer with your child.