Every Wednesday in May, something remarkable happens on Fifth Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania as 100 volunteers flood the neighborhood to help their neighbors with projects they can’t complete alone. The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program, organized by Overflow Church, mobilizes community members to paint fences, repair homes, clean yards, and tackle maintenance projects for elderly and disabled residents who need assistance. What started as small community outreach efforts over a decade ago has grown into a formal annual program that transforms both properties and lives.
The volunteers don’t just fix things—they build connections, with many forming lasting friendships through their shared service to the community. From removing debilitated garage roofs to cleaning up debris for residents recovering from medical emergencies, these neighbors step in where family or financial resources fall short. The program represents a growing movement across America where ordinary people are discovering that volunteering not only helps their communities but also combats loneliness and creates deep meaning in their own lives. Research shows that communities with active volunteer networks see measurable improvements in both neighborhood conditions and resident well-being, proving that when neighbors help neighbors, everyone wins.