Transformation Park is teaming up with Keep Amarillo Clean to host a community clean-up in celebration of its one-year anniversary.
The Community Clean-Up on Thursday, April 23, starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by a cookout at The HUB, located at 601 S. Travis. The two organizations are inviting anyone who would like to celebrate to join them.
Volunteers will meet at The HUB from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with clean-up efforts focused on the area between Adams and Georgia Streets and from 3rd to 10th. Following the clean-up, participants are invited to stay for a hamburger cookout at 11:30 a.m., bringing volunteers and residents together to share a meal. The partnership reflects a shared belief that it takes a united community to address homelessness in Amarillo.
“This past year has been about more than providing shelter. It has been about building community,” said Mark Zimmerman, Executive Director of Transformation Park in a news announcement. “We want this day to reflect that. Our Residents are not separate from the community. They are part of it, and this is a chance to serve together and celebrate what we’re building.”
According to a news release, since opening its doors, Transformation Park has operated 363 consecutive evenings. Its Cabin Community has sheltered 82 residents, with an average stay of 44 nights. Of those, 35% of residents have secured employment outside the park, and 13 individuals have transitioned into permanent housing or rehabilitation programs.
“It’s really amazing to think about what we’ve accomplished in just one year,” Zimmerman added. “We’re already seeing meaningful success stories and making an impact on the lives of so many in our community.”
According to Keep Amarillo Clean’s page on Facebook, they have collected 320 bags of trash in the city so far this year, and they’re aiming to reach 500 bags by July 4, urging everyone to make Earth Day every day.
“Amarillo is such a caring community, and it’s great to see people come together to help those in need,” said Babji Yalamanchili, founder of Keep Amarillo Clean. “This is what makes our city special, and we’re grateful to support Transformation Park and its mission.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Transformation Park celebrates first year with clean-up and cookout
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
