Paint Your Heart Out Tampa!

Paint Your Heart Out Tampa is a one day volunteer effort to paint the homes of the low income, elderly residents of Tampa. The idea for this program was borrowed from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and brought to Tampa in 1988. In September of that year, a fifty member Steering Committee was formed to organize the first Paint Day, which was to be held in the spring of 1989. Throughout the year, homes are identified for painting. Weeks before paint day, usually in April, powerwash teams are sent out to wash down wach home. Teams from the city trim and remove excess brush that may inhibit access to the home be the paint team.

Teams of 15- 25 are formed from various churches, businesses and city departments. Some teams have been painting for over 20 years! These teams are matched up with a home. On Paint day, they will meet at the home and before the day is over, the house takes on a new look, transitioning from an old tired abode to a bright clean home.