Nov. 2, 2023 (Dorchester, Mass.)  – Volunteers from Lowe’s and The Community Builders (TCB) donated their time on Thursday, November 2, 2023 to support TCB’s Community Corner in Dorchester which is one of 100 community projects in 2023 that make up Lowe’s Hometowns. The collaborative event included remarks from Julia Mejia, Boston City Councilor-at-Large, Elizabeth Gonzalez Suarez, TCB vice president of Community Life, Elizabeth Casey, TCB community manager and Mark Rockman, store captain, Lowe’s.

In June 2023, Lowe’s granted TCB funds to improve the Community Corner, which addresses food insecurity for residents of New Franklin Park Apartments and the surrounding Dorchester neighborhood. Renovations include structural improvements and enhancements such as shelving, appliances, and building systems upgrades. Launched in 2022, Lowe’s Hometowns is the company’s largest-ever impact program, with a five-year, $100 million commitment from Lowe’s to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide.

“We are delighted to receive this Lowe’s Hometowns award, as we advance The Community Builders’ mission to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez Suarez, TCB vice president of Community Life. “The renovation of New Franklin Park’s Community Corner is enhancing a community hub, a venue for gathering and connecting, a place for families to get the food they need and a safe place for youth to complete schoolwork. We are thrilled to have the Community Corner open for our Dorchester residents and broader community.”

The Lowe’s Hometowns award will enable TCB to initiate vital spatial and aesthetic enhancements at the Community Corner. Immediate structural concerns, including door repairs, flooring, insulation, fire and safety amenities, a water heater, and an HVAC system.

A portion of the grant will be dedicated to aesthetic, efficiency, and accessibility upgrades, including floor-to-ceiling shelving, an industrial-sized refrigerator and freezer, and a security system. An office space will be created for staff discussions and strategy planning. Additional improvements such as flooring, furniture, painting, and spatial adjustments will be made for a more modern and inviting appearance. The funding will transform the Community Corner into a safe, stable, and welcoming space for New Franklin Park residents and surrounding neighbors to easily access nutritious food. In addition to physical upgrades, the Lowe’s Hometowns grant will support activities like connections and referrals to local resources, one-on-one coaching support and on-site programming.

Now in the second year of the initiative, Lowe’s Hometowns invites nonprofits and community members to share stories of projects in need. The Community Builders is partnering with local Lowe’s associates, construction pros, and impact partner Points of Light to complete this project.

This year’s Lowe’s Hometowns projects were selected from 93 communities across 41 states and Washington, D.C., and will address needs specific to each community, from housing and community centers to outdoor spaces and facilities for first responders and veterans. Each project will receive a grant from Lowe’s to make physical improvements that help local organizations continue to make meaningful impact in their communities.

Projects are slated to be completed by the end of 2023. Visit Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns on social media for more details on this year’s projects.