Nearly 450 volunteers fanned out across Boise this year to freshen up 26 homes belonging to seniors, veterans, and residents living with disabilities as part of the 44th annual Paint The Town Boise event — a Treasure Valley tradition that has now mobilized more than 92,000 volunteers and improved over 3,500 homes since its founding.
A Program Rooted in Boise’s Neighborhoods
Paint The Town Boise got its start 44 years ago in Boise’s Vista neighborhood, and it has grown into one of the city’s most recognizable community service efforts. The program targets homeowners who are unable to maintain their properties on their own — typically older residents on fixed incomes, veterans, and individuals with disabilities — providing free painting and exterior improvements each summer.
This year’s milestone event was marked by personal stories from the homeowners who benefited. Terri Soule had volunteers arrive to paint her home on her birthday, turning routine maintenance into a memorable occasion. Kathi Searle, 74, said she had known about the program for years but had never been able to afford the work on her own — this year, she finally received the help she needed.
Volunteers and Homeowners Alike Benefit
The event draws volunteers from across the Treasure Valley — community members, local organizations, faith groups, and businesses — who give up a weekend to ensure their neighbors’ homes are safe, well-maintained, and presentable. The cumulative numbers speak to the staying power of the program: more than 92,000 volunteers have participated over its 44-year history, and the total number of homes touched now exceeds 3,500.
For many of the homeowners, the impact goes beyond a fresh coat of paint. Aging or deteriorating exteriors can create code compliance concerns, reduce property values in surrounding blocks, and leave vulnerable residents feeling isolated. Programs like Paint The Town Boise address all of those pressures at once, at no cost to the homeowner.
What Comes Next for Boise Community Service Events
Residents who missed Paint The Town Boise will have another chance to give back this fall. The 41st annual Rake Up Boise event is scheduled for November 14th, bringing volunteers together to assist seniors and residents with disabilities who need help clearing leaves and preparing their yards for winter.
Boise continues to demonstrate a strong culture of neighbor-helping-neighbor volunteerism — the kind of civic engagement that keeps communities tight-knit and reduces the burden on local government social services. For Ada County families looking for ways to connect and contribute, both Paint The Town Boise and Rake Up Boise offer accessible, high-impact opportunities each year.
Those interested in participating in future events or learning more about how to nominate a homeowner for assistance can watch for announcements from the program ahead of the November date. Boise also hosts a range of other community gatherings throughout the year — including events tied to an upcoming Nobel Prize-winning chemistry conference coming to the city this month — reflecting the broad civic energy that defines the Treasure Valley.