2024 Annual Day of Service Brings Community Together in Long Beach

On October 19, 2024, over 80 volunteers gathered in Long Beach, Calif., for the Women in Code Enforcement Development’s (WICED), PermitTechNation’s (PTN) and the International Code Council’s 10th Annual Day of Service.

Held in conjunction with the Code Council’s 2024 Annual Conference, this year’s event offered volunteers the opportunity to assist the Century Villages of Cabrillo (CVC), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles, in beautification and renovation projects. Volunteers were divided into three groups to tackle a range of projects: constructing playhouses, building planter boxes with benches and tables and revitalizing a community garden.

“When Amber Armstrong and I came up with the concept of giving back to the community in areas where the Code Council’s Annual Conference is located back in 2014, both of us had hopes that this event would eventually gather support and continue to grow every year,” said Eirene Knott, Director of Code Services for BRR Architecture. “Seeing all those who showed up to help this year was very emotional for me as this year was truly a sign of the support and growth that Amber and I had hoped for all those years ago.”

Watch the 2024 Annual Day of Service video here. 

Creating Spaces of Joy and Connection

Building Playhouses with Purpose

Volunteers helped construct two playhouses for local children affected by homelessness, which was made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Day of Service Committee, which raised a $10,000 donation for Habitat for Humanity (HFH). HFH provided site foremen, building materials and paint, while volunteers brought their creative touch and imagination.

For the beautification portion, CVC supplied materials and tools and an additional work crew which included both CVC staff and residents, fostering a strong sense of collaboration and community spirit.

Planter Boxes and Benches 

Another team focused on constructing planter boxes equipped with benches and tables. These additions not only enhanced the community garden’s functionality, but also created a welcoming environment for residents to relax and enjoy their surroundings. 

Revitalizing David’s Garden

The third group took on the challenge of cleaning and repairing the community garden, including fixing a gate and replacing the pergola cover over a potting corner. Working alongside CVC staff and residents, volunteers transformed David’s Garden into an inviting space for relaxation and gardening.

New trees, planted with tools donated by the LBDHHS Nutrition Security Initiatives Community Garden program, Seed Opportunity, added fresh life to the area.

Residents shared heartfelt gratitude for the transformations:

“It looks so much better! I love the new benches with the planter boxes and new plants included. This will be such a nice place to sit and take a break while enjoying our garden.” – Esther  

“Thank you for all the new tools and plants. The garden looks so much more inviting and there are so many great vegetables growing in here for us to enjoy.” – Don

Strengthening Communities Through the Annual Day of Service

The Annual Day of Service has become a cornerstone of WICED’s, PTN’s and the Code Council’s commitment to community engagement. This year’s success showcased what can be achieved when people unite and work together to create positive change. 

“My role for the past several years has been to take photos to document each event. I sometimes put the camera down to pick up a paintbrush or hammer, but most of the time I am looking through the lens absolutely amazed at what the volunteers are doing,” said Carey Frazier, Plans Examiner for the Town of Prosper and PTN Board Member. “It appears that all involved have a sense of purpose, belonging and dedication to give back to the community in any way they can. You can’t help but feel your passion for giving grow as when watching others give physical labor of their skills, knowledge and experience to a project like this.”

Next year’s Annual Conference and Day of Service will be held in Cleveland, Ohio. To learn more, click here. 

To learn more about the CVC and get involved, click here.