Jan 27, 2023

St. Joseph Chamber unveils 'Adopt-a-Block' program in beautification effort

Posted Jan 27, 2023 5:24 PM

By TOMMY REZAC

St. Joseph Post

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has started a new initiative in order to help beautify the city.

A 2021 survery conducted by the Chamber shows that 63 percent of St. Joseph residents rate the community's appearance as below average or poor. Because of this, the Chamber announced a new program called 'Adopt-a-Block.'

Chamber president Natalie Redmond says several businesses within the city have already tested out Adopt-a-Block.'

"It's a concept that we tested with Missouri American Water last year," Redmond said on KFEQ's The Hotline. "Missouri American Water partnered with Gray Manufacturing and Cintas and adopted a block. The idea behind the program is you'll adopt the block for a year. Your business, your organization or you as a group of citizens. You'll take that block and give it some love."

Anyone wanting to sign up for 'Adopt-a-Block' can do so online at imaginestjoseph2040.com.

Redmond says any group, family or business can sign up. The Chamber first announced 'Adopt-a-Block' to the general public at their annual banquet last weekend.

Redmond adds that there's many little things one can do to take care of whatever block they choose to adopt.

"Picking up trash, picking up old shrubs," Redmond noted. "Anything that needs support within that block. The city is happy to provide resources, like dumpsters and different things that you need."

 Redmond says this is a simple way to give back to the community.

"There's thing that an average citizen can do," she said. "Beautification of a community is something that anyone can participate in. Even if you adopt a block just one time, we'll take it. If you want to sign up with Beautify St. Joseph, they do monthly cleanups."

The Chamber did a trial run of 'Adopt-a-Block' last year with Missouri American Water, Gray Manufacturing and Cintas.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.