Orange County Neighborhood Services and Rebuilding Together Greater Florida joined forces with 25 local companies to launch a free‑renovation effort for 14 longtime residents of Tildenville, a historic community just outside Winter Garden. The initiative, part of the Fixing Up the Neighborhood (F.U.N.) project, aims to preserve the area’s legacy while giving families a safe, comfortable place to call home.
Community‑driven repairs at no cost to homeowners
Volunteers gathered on Friday to begin work on the homes, tackling painting, roofing, electrical and plumbing upgrades. Each renovation is budgeted at about $4,000, a modest investment that delivers a dramatic improvement for families who have lived in the neighborhood for decades.
“As an organization, we will be able to also deliver comprehensive repairs beyond the F.U.N. paint project today,” said Anthony Beran, a spokesperson for the partnership. “We’ve seen tremendous development here in the area of Winter Garden, so it’s important that owners who have invested in this community get the benefit.”
Residents share the impact
Sabrina Moss Brown, a resident of Tildenville for 45 years, described the work as a blessing. “They’re painting, doing roofing, electrical and plumbing. I needed it desperately. I work, but when you don’t have the funds, you can’t do it,” she said. By the end of the day her gray house will be painted salmon, a transformation she called “a blessing.”
All 14 homes involved in the project belong to legacy residents, reinforcing the partnership’s goal of preserving affordable housing for limited‑income families. “We want to make sure legacy residents, limited‑income families, are able to have a place of their own to call home,” Beran added.
Two decades of neighborhood revitalization
The county has been running similar projects for nearly twenty years, selecting a different district each year to receive free repairs. By focusing on neighborhoods with deep roots, the program not only upgrades physical structures but also strengthens the social fabric that makes places like Tildenville vibrant.
Local businesses have played a crucial role, providing labor, materials and expertise. Their involvement underscores a broader commitment to community stewardship that aligns with traditional family values and the principle of individual liberty—empowering homeowners to maintain their property without government overreach.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the success of the Tildenville effort will inspire additional districts to apply for future rounds of the F.U.N. project. With a proven track record of delivering tangible improvements at modest cost, the partnership stands ready to continue supporting Central Florida’s historic neighborhoods.
For more information about upcoming renovation opportunities or to volunteer, residents can contact Orange County Neighborhood Services or visit the Rebuilding Together Greater Florida website.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
