DATE: Tuesday, April 15, 1997               TAG: 9704150268

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   85 lines

NSU GROUP HELPS FIX UP HOMES OF THE LESS FORTUNATE

A fresh coat of paint Monday transformed Zola Wilson's Brambleton home from a pale yellow to sparkling white.

Many people hope it will stand as a proud symbol of a neighborhood reborn.

More than a dozen Norfolk State University students and faculty joined volunteers from the Rotary Club of Norfolk throughout the day Monday to scrape, mow, plant and paint at the home, 948 Marshall Ave.

``When we do projects like this, everyone jumps in and participates,'' said project coordinator Bill Craig. ``We enjoy getting out with these kinds of things.''

Wilson's two-story house stands in the heart of a neighborhood that has long grappled with drugs, crime and dilapidated housing. The neighborhood is nestled beside Norfolk State University, whose outgoing president, Harrison B. Wilson, has said he wants to see residents and students living in comfort and safety.

One way for that dream to be fulfilled is for new homes to be built and the old ones to be renovated.

That new neighborhood is part of the legacy Wilson hopes to leave when he retires in July after 22 years at the helm of the university.

``We must get that area cleaned up if we're going to survive as a university where people feel safe,'' he said in an earlier interview.

Prompted by Wilson's desires, the Rotary Club of Norfolk joined with Norfolk State officials to select needy homes and give them a new look.

The project is a jump-start on Paint Your Heart Out Day, an annual effort sponsored by the Norfolk and Chesapeake Rotary clubs. Paint Your Heart Out Day is scheduled for April 26.

Craig, a retired vice president of development and a Rotary Club member, said the six houses in Brambleton were selected after a Norfolk State committee met with the Rotary Club to set requirements, including the home being owner-occupied with a limited income.

The 30 homes selected for Paint Your Heart Out Day are in Norfolk or Chesapeake and need limited repair work. About 25 volunteers per house are expected to pitch in on that day. The organizations work with the Rotary clubs and the homeowners to select colors and schedules.

Money and supplies come from community and corporate donations, and volunteers include churches, the business community and Navy personnel.

``The community chips in in a big way,'' said Gene Justice, chairman of Paint Your Heart Out.

Several months ago the university received two grants, totaling more than $1 million, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, one for renovating homes and the other to build several homes at low cost. Eight houses have been renovated so far, and five new homes are scheduled to be built.

Robert McFadden, a sophomore majoring in accounting at Norfolk State, helped with the duties Monday. Having grown up through community-related programs, he said, he loves to volunteer.

``I know what it is to be able to help out and give back to the community,'' said McFadden, 25.

Debra West, a secretary in Norfolk State's community relations office, brought her 14-year-old daughter, Kristina, along to help paint.

``I enjoy helping out,'' West said as she brushed a badly rusted utility shed behind the home. ``It gives us an opportunity to spend time together.''

The house stands next to a vacant lot, the site of a home to be built.

Zola Wilson described the renovations as a feeling that zooms from her head to her feet.

``I've been peeping out the windows. I feel wonderful about it.''

It was Feb. 24 - just two days from her 85th birthday - when she received the news that her house was on the fix-up list, she said.

Just a year ago, Norfolk State students replaced carpeting and did other interior work on the house, where she has lived since 1970.

Wilson thanked everyone, but her praise fell especially on Harrison Wilson.

``I just hate to see him leave. He had the community at heart.''

Wilson's granddaughter, Selena Jefferson, agreed that the efforts by Norfolk State and the Rotary clubs will help turn the neighborhood around.

``It's helping to bring the area back up,'' Jefferson said. ``This is a great way to bring Brambleton back alive.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic

PAINT YOUR HEART OUT DAY IS SET FOR APR. 26 IN TWO CITIES.

NEXT UP

The five other Brambleton homes scheduled to be painted are:

in the 900 block of Hanson Ave.

in the 900 block of Kenton Ave.

in the 1400 block of Corprew Ave.

in the 700 block of Maltby Ave.

in the 800 block of Reservoir Ave.

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