In 1998, the City of Hurst established a program, then called Employee Giving Day, where city staff donated their time and abilities to serve residents in need of exterior repair. Work typically included painting, scraping, landscaping, and fence repair. This program was such a success that other organizations in the area were inspired to give back to the community in a similar way. We eventually partnered with a local nonprofit, 6 Stones, to expand our resources and planning efforts.

City staff arrives at 8 a.m. and gets to work performing all of the necessary updates until 5 p.m. that evening or until the work is complete. Through this partnership, the City of Hurst has been able to continue this program each year and impact the lives of our residents in need and work to revitalize our older neighborhoods.

In 2022, this program was renamed to Hurst Gives Back and expanded to impact the surrounding neighbors of the home receiving the more extensive work. City council and staff go door-to-door to speak with neighbors and offer curb address painting, a potted plant, and an American flag hung near their front porch. Neighbors appreciate the acts of kindness from City Council and staff and are thrilled about the revitalization happening in their neighborhood. Meeting with the neighbors provides an opportunity for the council and staff to learn more about the needs of the neighborhood and see how we can help meet those needs and connect them with resources.

Know anyone who could benefit from some extra assistance with their home? All of the information, including an application packet, can be found at hursttx.gov/cpr.