Residents and businesses in Nashwauk are invited to request or nominate a home project for volunteer assistance this summer.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is partnering with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity (ICHFH) and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to bring a Day of Action, presented by U. S. Steel, to Nashwauk on June 13th. Organizers anticipate more than 200 local volunteers will be needed to complete requested community revitalization projects.
Nashwauk City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer April Kurtock said the city is excited to be partnering with UWNEMN, CEDA, and ICHFH on Day of Action.
“This is a day where neighbors, community members, and community leaders come together to do something tangible and impactful to serve residents that need help and beautify public spaces,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the meaningful impact that just a few hours and a few hundred volunteers will have on our community!”
This is the second year UWNEMN, ICHFH, and CEDA have partnered with the support of U. S. Steel on a Day of Action in UWNEMN’s service area (Iron Range, Koochiching County, and Lake of the Woods County). Last year, the collaboration mobilized more than 125 volunteers to complete 18 residential projects, one small business project, and five community projects.
“I can’t adequately describe how moving it was to see the difference seemingly simple projects like weeding gardens and fixing gutters made for Keewatin residents last year,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “I know I’m not alone in saying I can’t wait to bring the same energy and impact to Nashwauk this year.”
Organizers and city staff will be door-knocking Monday April 7th and Thursday April 10th to compile a list of projects and material needs for Day of Action. Homeowners and small business owners can also submit project requests up until May 15th online; paper versions of project request forms are available at Nashwauk City Hall.
Typical Day of Action projects include painting, deck repair, cleaning/fixing gutters, and landscaping for homeowners; city projects such as park upgrades, painting, and beautification including planting flowers; and business projects including painting and landscaping. However, organizers and volunteers are up to the task for a full range of requests.
“Partnering with Habitat for Humanity and United Way Northeastern, we can achieve far more together than any of us could alone,” said CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Jessica Pellinen.
Due to the variety of different needs, volunteer opportunities will be suitable for people ages 12+ of all experience levels, and groups are encouraged to sign up to volunteer together. There will be some opportunities that require special training/skills. Day of Action volunteers will receive a T-shirt and lunch and will have access to snacks, water, first aid, restrooms, and project materials throughout the day.
“We're calling on everyone with a heart for service to join us as we aim for a record-breaking turnout of volunteers, “ said ICHFH Executive Director Jamie Mjolsness. “Let's demonstrate the powerful impact of collective community action and make the 2025 Day of Action a truly memorable and impactful event!"
To submit a project request or sign up to volunteer in Nashwauk, click here or call 218-215-2420.