Community Financial Credit Union’s Relentless Care Foundation launches partnership with Brilliant Detroit and Nine Design + Homes to offer Fitzgerald neighborhood roof replacements in HGTV special
Community Financial Credit Union’s Relentless Care Foundation is partnering with Brilliant Detroit and Nine Design + Homes to launch the “Roof the Block” initiative, providing critical support to existing homeowners in need. Roof the Block kicked off with a $50k donation from the Relentless Care Foundation and will supply and install new roofs on at least 10 homes in Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood during the summer of 2024. The initiative supports residents’ ability to continue in homeownership and benefit from long-term wealth building.
Community Financial’s Relentless Care Foundation is driven to build and co-create solutions that provide access to affordable housing while working to strengthen financial outcomes for individuals and communities. Thanks to a strategic partnership with Nine Design + Homes, Community Financial Credit Union’s Relentless Care Foundation began working to help bring Roof the Block to life, later identifying Brilliant Detroit as a key piece of making the program a success. Together, the three organizations are ensuring long-time Fitzgerald neighborhood residents can stay in their homes and avoid paying for costly repairs.
“Community Financial Credit Union and our Relentless Care Foundation are committed to being part of solving the housing affordability crisis. There’s no single solution to removing barriers and creating partnerships that makes housing attainable, safe and stable. Roof the Block provides a solution that significantly cuts maintenance costs, making homeownership more stable for long-term residents,” said Tansley Stearns, president and ceo of Community Financial Credit Union and Relentless Care Foundation board member. “This initiative is the brainchild of our partnership with Nine Design + Homes, and we are so grateful that Brilliant Detroit stepped in to help us connect to local homeowners. Our commitment is to help solve the biggest challenges facing Michiganders. People don’t want a bank, they want belonging, solutions and positive change. That’s who we are.”
Brilliant Detroit is not only acting as the fiscal sponsor for the initiative but is also leading the recruitment process and leveraging its community network to ensure this initiative reflects the voice of the neighborhood.
“The Roof the Block initiative is more than just a roofing project; it’s about providing stability and hope to our community members,” said LaShonta Smith, Fitzgerald community engagement manager at Brilliant Detroit. “This partnership will make a significant impact on the lives of families in Fitzgerald, taking a huge financial burden away from them and ensuring they have a safe and secure place to call home.”
Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, the dynamic duo behind Nine Design + Homes and the hit HGTV show Bargain Block, have renovated over 50 homes, including several in the Fitzgerald neighborhood. Bargain Block plans to highlight Roof the Block in season four, showing their dedication to maintaining the integrity of roofing systems to prevent homes from falling into disrepair due to water damage.
“Maintaining the integrity of a home is one of the most critical steps in ensuring its longevity and preventing future damage,’ said Keith Bynum, co-host of Bargain Block. “We’re eager to continue working with the Fitzgerald neighborhood, a community that holds a special place in our hearts.”
The collaboration between Community Financial Credit Union’s Relentless Care Foundation, Brilliant Detroit and Nine Design + Homes represents a unified effort to enhance the quality of living for residents in the Fitzgerald neighborhood in a long-term step towards community stability and prosperity.
Roof the Block is accepting tax-deductible donations to support the cause and make a tangible difference in the lives of community members. Please visit www.gofundme.com/f/rooftheblock, to make a donation today.
For more information about the Roof the Block project and how to get involved, please contact:Katie Lindquist, dovetail solutions for Community Financial Credit Union klindquist@dovetailsolutions.com, 719.352.1116
About Community Financial Credit Union’s Relentless Care Foundation
Building on Community Financial Credit Union’s legacy of giving, the Relentless Care Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that exists to magnify equitable systems in Michigan Communities. The Relentless Care Foundation is committed to ensuring the communities, counties, and regions we serve are places where everyone can prosper, now and into the future. To achieve this, we will walk alongside partners, funding what makes housing attainable, strengthens the workforce, and fosters community mobility.
About Brilliant Detroit:
Brilliant Detroit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building kid success families and neighborhoods where families with children 0-8 have what they need to be school-ready, healthy and stable.
About Nine Design + Homes:
Nine Design + Homes, led by Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, is renowned for their work on HGTV’s Bargain Block. They specialize in renovating homes to make affordable housing accessible while preserving the unique character of each neighborhood
