Paint-a-thon Program
38th Annual Community Paint-a-thon
September 6, 2025
What is it?
The Community Paint-a-thon (PAT) provides exterior painting free to low-income individuals 60 and better, veterans, and the specially-abled. The program offers dignity and housing security to homeowners and enables them to live independently in their community by restoring the exterior of their homes. This mutually beneficial program provides volunteers an impactful and engaging experience to make a difference in the community.
How can I help?
HOSC coordinates painting teams consisting of corporate employees, individuals, seniors, schools, youth groups, and faith communities to enable those in need to stay in their homes and improve the quality of their lives. The Community Paint-a-thon is a unique community partnership with nonprofits, government bodies, businesses, and community members committed to helping those who need a hand-up and are committed to this vital community restoration and beautification program.
How Does It Work?
Once home sites have been identified, inspected, and qualified, a team of volunteers will scrape, prime, and paint each home—all in one day. Team leaders must visit home sites the week before Paint Day for prep work: scraping, peeling paint, caulking, or spot priming. On Paint Day, teams must meet in the morning and complete the project by the end of the day.
Community Impact
Over the past 36 years, 938 homes have been painted by 17,990 volunteers, valuing over $1 million in volunteer time and goods and services.
2024 Statistics
154
volunteer painters
13
total houses painted
$4,755
average value to the homeowner
$61,0811
project value to the community
$28,118
cost of donated supplies
“I have been painting houses for the Paint-a-thon for years. It is a way to help my neighbors and bring my kids to do something they love and help someone who needs it.”
Volunteer Today!
Join us and volunteer to help support someone whose home needs a little love. Training is provided before paint day. Check out the resources below that best fit your needs! For additional information, contact Katie Ferguson, Community Engagement Specialist, at Katie@handsonsuburbanchicago.org.
The Paint-a-thon program adheres to applicable Federal civil rights laws. It does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity).
Volunteer Overview Information
Does My Home Qualify?
If you own and occupy a home and have limited financial resources, are at least 60 years of age, a veteran, or have a permanent disability, you could qualify. All are encouraged to apply.
For additional information, please call (847) 253-5500
Check out the Paint-a-Thon informational flyer by clicking here.
Eligibility Requirements
- The home must be owned and occupied by a person(s) 60 years of age and older, or with a permanent disability, or a veteran, who is unable to do the painting themselves.
- The home must be a single-family residence, occupied by its owner(s) and needing paint.
- Only the exterior of the home may be painted.
- The home must not be taller than two stories or exceed 25 feet in height.
- The home must be structurally sound and not in need of major repairs.
- A homeowner or adult family member must be present when a volunteer team is at the home.
- The homeowner is not intending to sell the house within the next two years.
- Property taxes and homeowners’ insurance must be current.
- Household income must be less than $3,000 monthly or $45,000 annually.
- Income is not the only criterion — medical expenses and other special circumstances will be considered in determining eligibility.
Important forms & Waivers
Coordinating Committee Members
Catholic Charities—Northwest Senior Services
City of Rolling Meadows
Elk Grove Township
Endeavor Health
Habitat for Humanity of NFV / A Brush with Kindness
HandsOn Suburban Chicago
Hanover Township Aging Services
Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs
Kenneth Young Center
Maine Township
Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
Schaumburg Township
Sherwin-Williams
Village of Arlington Heights
Village of Des Plaines
Village of Mount Prospect
Village of Niles
Village of Wheeling
Wheeling Township
The Paint-a-thon serves 10 Townships
Barrington
Elk Grove
Hanover
Maine
New Trier
Niles
Northfield
Palatine
Schaumburg
Wheeling
For additional information, contact Katie Ferguson, Community Engagement Specialist, at Katie@handsonsuburbanchicago.org.