Valvoline Inc.’s Post

The severe ice and wind storm (just passing as we speak) has been challenging for most of us; but it's been far more dangerous and difficult for our many neighbors living outside without safe housing or permanent shelter. We're so grateful for the many incredible organizations and friends who work to provide food, operate warming shelters, and respond to these kinds of emergency needs for the unhoused people across our community. That's why we're also so thankful for visionary people like the mayor and council of the City of Beaverton who've worked tirelessly to bring more permanent solutions to life, like the year-round shelter we've had the pleasure of designing with them. Now a few months into construction, this incredible project represents a concerted effort to prioritize dignity, comfort, and support through trauma-informed design and integration of natural elements, plantings, and even an indoor tree growing at the heart of its shared common space. The level of commitment brought to this project by so many partners, policy makers, supporters, and service organizations feels staggering; and it shows just how much can be accomplished by open hearts and minds, from a place of abundance and care. It's incredible to play a role, and to watch this existing retail building be transformed into a place where people can safely belong and feel supported through the difficult transition from the trauma of living without a home and into stable, permanent housing. There will be many more stories to tell about this project, and we can't wait to tell them as this work unfolds into reality. https://lnkd.in/gJYN4D58 Partners: P&C Construction, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Open Door (odhw.org), PCS Structural Solutions, Studio Wild (studiowildla.com), Arris Consulting, @Landis Consulting (landisconsulting.com) #designjustice #housingjustice #housingcrisis #housingforall #traumainformed #abundancemindset #dignityforall

For 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 in the future, see 🇬🇷 today https://lnkd.in/dBd26Gb8 Ideally we would get ahead of this by starting to plant a lot more trees in our urban areas today. I think that our towns and cities could be glorious, even in a much hotter future. But we must act rapidly. My suggestions for our urban areas: 1. Use double yellow line areas for trees where road safety won't be affected 2. Prohibit the removal of trees under Tree Preservation Orders 3. Assess every street for how new trees can be introduced, prioritising streets furthest from existing green space 4. Remove 10% of on-street parking to make way for urban furniture integrated with trees 5. Require local authorities to set 'shade standards' 6. Build a community movement to reshape gardens to be part of the solution. Read my blog post 👉️ https://lnkd.in/ecrhqXQB

Looking to hop on the trend of spring cleaning, but don't know where to start? I spoke with professional organizer and founder of Ordered Habitat, Megan Goerner, to discuss her process of organizing spaces. Read more on how to transform your home this season. https://lnkd.in/etJtD7j5

Did you know the historic Druid Hills neighborhood was nearly erased by the construction of a highway? Check out our story (and some really cool photos) in the latest issue of Decatur Living. #decatur #communityengagement #communityimpact #communitydevelopment #community #communitybuilding #communitylove #atlantarealestate #atlanta #atlantafinehomes #atlantahomes #historichomes

For more than a century, the Saw Mill River in Westchester County, NY, has been plagued by pollution, putting both public health and the environment at risk. But now, community initiatives have revitalized the site, turning it into a thriving and vibrant green space. ✅ Groundwork Hudson Valley and the City of Yonkers are working together to bring the river back, letting it flow freely and restoring the ecosystem for cleaner urban water, thriving native species, and community enjoyment. These improvements are already making a difference in some areas, but there is still more to do. Cleaning up the Saw Mill River depends on everyone pitching in - from the community lending a hand to government support and ongoing water quality monitoring. Discover more about this exciting initiative that's not only creating a vibrant community hub but also protecting urban waterways and addressing the challenges of climate change. https://lnkd.in/ez42f6CZ #UrbanWaters #WorldWaterDay #ClimateAction

🌟 Excited 🌟 ✨ Imagine a city where cleanliness is not just a duty but a way of life. ✨ Picture a community where every building shines with pride and care. ✨ Today, I am thrilled to shine a spotlight on the importance of Úklidy bytových domů v Brně. 🏠 Cleaning and maintaining residential buildings in Brno is not just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of our values and respect for our surroundings. 🏠 When we take the time to ensure that our homes are clean and well-kept, we are contributing to a positive environment for all residents. 🏠 Let's come together to elevate the standards of cleanliness in our residential buildings and create a city we can all be proud of. ✅ It's not just about sweeping floors or emptying trash bins; it's about fostering a sense of community and pride. ✅ By valuing cleanliness, we are showing respect for ourselves, our neighbors, and our shared living spaces. ✅ Let's make Úklidy bytových domů v Brně a priority and set a shining example for others to follow. 🔆 As we embark on this journey towards a cleaner and more vibrant Brno, let's remember that every small effort makes a difference. 🔆 Whether it's picking up litter, organizing community cleanup events, or simply taking an extra moment to tidy up our own spaces, every action counts. 🔆 Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that will transform our city into a beacon of cleanliness and unity. Let's roll up our sleeves, put on our cleaning gloves, and work towards a Brno that sparkles with pride and care. #Brno #CleanlinessIsHappiness #CommunityPride

This article highlights some of the missteps that people encountered when downsizing. 1) Downsizing can be daughting and there are professionals who can assist. Better to sort everything what’s coming with you, donations, sold, trash, gifts to family and friends. 2) Try to avoid long term storage in offsite storage. The self-storage business is a $44 Billion industry with 11% of all households renting at least 1 unit per month. 3) Think about keeping an extra bedroom available for guests and family. 4) Build extra storage on site if necessary. In this article several local professionals were noted for assisting in the process. Merci Magdalena a professional organizer, whose company Great Moves sorts out a home and Lisa Tornello, an interior designer with Millroad Studio in San Anselmo, CA. #Housing #moving #realestate #downsizing #Marin #SanAnselmo #storage #SanFrancisco #WSJ

Tapping into the importance of “home” is what I do as a designer. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that understands home ownership is the key to so many families’ stability and inter-generational wealth, was organic. #HomeIsTheKey is all about the impact affordable housing has on building equity in wealth, education, health, and opportunity through homeownership! That’s something we can all get behind. The chance to own a home is life-changing, and there’s no better feeling than making your space feel tailored to your lifestyle. I’m in the process of completing my own home, and I thought I’d give you a few tips on decorating your spaces without exorbitant price tags. First, prioritize. Need a space for the kids more than a dining room? Nothing wrong with that! The decisions you make should reflect your needs and wants. Next, nix perfection! If you don’t have all the furniture when you first move in, don’t be afraid to improvise with things like baskets, rolling racks or hampers for storage. Finally, lean into colors that bring out the best in your space and the way you feel when you interact with it! For me, that’s using fun prints and patterns with wallpaper and fabrics. I couldn’t be more excited about all the amazing work Habitat and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles are doing in our communities. Join me in supporting the Home is the Key campaign by donating at habitat.org/homeisthekey. Let’s help Habitat for Humanity unlock equitable homeownership today! #HITKambassador

𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞: What do you do with 5-10 acres of idle land if you don't want to sell or farm it? Create a community park. Not a mini-park. This is where a Master Plan comes in. What is it? It's a vision board for your park. A Master Plan is more than just a blueprint, it's a community bond. Picture this: • A small lake for fishing • Playgrounds for the kids • Walking trails, and outdoor exercise equipment for all ages • Picnic areas for family gatherings • A stage for outdoor concerts or performances • A community garden, and maybe even a farmer's market 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀. Creating a Master Plan doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some tips: • Collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and city officials • Tap into grant programs for funding • Engage with landscape architects and construction companies in your area for the best deals This is your chance to turn idle land into a thriving 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝗯 that brings people together. Start with a Master Plan, and watch your community grow. Check Out PodCity Small Parks Initiative (SPI) https://lnkd.in/d6i4KCED

Welcome to Strong Towns YXE- the local conversation group for Strong Towns here in Saskatoon. We’re a group of volunteers and like-minded people who are excited about helping Saskatoon grow out of the worst parts of the suburban experiment into a thriving city. Some of the key points that unite us are wanting: Transparent Local Accounting: helping everyone understand the financial impacts of where we are, how we got here, and what we need to do to move forward Safe and Productive Streets: Helping reimagine local streets away from high speeds and vehicle throughputs to places that build wealth in a community, treat all modes of transit with dignity and safety, and at the end of the day are just pleasant to be around. And finally, Solvent Land Use: Advocating for ways we can use the land in the city whether for housing, parks, right of ways, and more to help communities thrive instead of being burdened by the built environment. If you want in on what Strong Towns wants to see in Saskatoon, follow us to see what we’re up to, shoot us a message for more info, or come by one of our bi-weekly meetings. We’re all looking forward to helping Saskatoon become a Strong Town.  #strongtowns #strongtown #economy #zoning # urbanism #urbanplanning #cityplanning #yimby #nimby #safestreets #placemaking #suburbanexperiment #cityfinance #saskatoon #yxe #streetsforpeople