Sheboygan Volunteers Transform Homes for Neighbors in Need

When Paul Reinemann saw a crumbling stairway on N. 11th Street in Sheboygan, he knew exactly what to do. The retired teacher grabbed his tools and got to work building a safer path for neighbors who needed help.

Reinemann was one of dozens of volunteers who turned out Friday for Habitat Lakeside's Rock the Block program in the End Park neighborhood. For the sixth year, he's dedicated his time to making houses safer and more livable for people struggling with upkeep.

"It's just a kind of hobby of mine, and a way to help people at the same time," Reinemann said as he finished installing the new stairway.

The program serves homeowners who truly need it. Nearly all the families helped this year earn less than 70% of the area's median income, making basic repairs feel impossible without support.

Among the volunteers were Courtney and Beau Olivares, who bought their first home through Habitat just three weeks ago. After a two-year journey to homeownership, they immediately signed up to help others achieve the same dream.

"We're so thankful and we just want to give back in every way that we can," Courtney said while helping maintain an old gutter system.

Beau sees their volunteer work as an investment in their children's future. "Mom and dad are gonna do everything we can to make sure that this happens, because it's for them, not for us," he explained.

Local businesses joined the effort too. A team from Van Horn Automotive tackled storm door installation, lawn mowing, and landscaping at another home on N. 11th Street.

Chase Larson, the company's marketing manager, said getting involved creates connections that matter. "Being able to immerse yourself and if you have that time to take, to just learn about the community and be involved, the connections you make and the other impact is very cool," he said.

The Ripple Effect

What started as simple home repairs is creating waves of generosity throughout Sheboygan. When people like the Olivareses receive help buying their first home, they don't just move in and forget it. They turn around and spend their weekends helping the next family in need.

That cycle of giving transforms entire neighborhoods. Safer staircases mean fewer falls. Storm doors cut heating costs. Clean yards bring pride back to streets that felt forgotten.

Habitat officials call Rock the Block a once-a-year event that becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those it serves.

In Sheboygan, neighbors are proving that a community grows stronger when everyone has a chance to both receive help and give it back.