Building stronger homes and communities

The Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity announced the return of Rock the Block for 2026.

Rock the Block, now in its third year, is an annual, volunteer-driven, revitalization effort focused on transforming local neighborhoods.

“Through this initiative, we focus on exterior home repairs, outdoor maintenance and neighborhood improvements that help owner occupied households address work they may not be able to tackle on their own, whether faced with physical or time constraints or financial obstacles,” said Rock the Block Program Manager Kaylee Prebelski. “Rock the Block is about more than home improvements. It’s about supporting affordable home ownership, strengthening connections between neighbors and investing in the long-term health of our local communities.”

The first Rock the Block event was held in De Pere in 2024, impacting 34 homes on the city’s east side. The event returned in 2025, focusing on improving 25 homes in a Green Bay neighborhood. This year, Sept. 16-18, Rock the Block will return to De Pere, focusing on a neighborhood on the west side of the city.

“This event is more than just a project — it’s a celebration of community and it reflects the values that make De Pere such a special place to live…” said De Pere Mayor James Boyd.

“Partnerships like the one we have with Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity are essential. They bring resources, expertise and a spirit of collaboration that amplifies what we all can accomplish together… The city contributed $200,000 in 2024 towards the east side neighborhood and we are contributing another $200,000 to the west side neighborhood… This neighborhood is an important part of De Pere’s story and history and we’re excited to see the positive impact the initiative will have not just here, but throughout all of De Pere. De Pere stands firmly behind efforts that strengthen affordable home ownership and promote stability within neighborhoods. These are the building blocks of a thriving community.”

“We are proud to partner with the City of De Pere again to invest in another area where we believe neighbors are eager to care for their homes,” said Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity CEO Jessica Diederich. “The neighborhood was carefully selected, having the highest percentage of low to moderate income levels with a large number of owner-occupied homes.”

Rock the Block is made possible by community sponsors and volunteers to help make the biggest impact possible over the course of the three-day event.

“As a board member, I have the opportunity to see the planning, the effort and the dedication that goes into making this event possible,” said Joey Muehlethaler, a member of the Greater Green Bay Habitat For Humanity Board of Directors from Nicolet Wealth Management. “But it’s when you step onto a work site and you’re side by side with the homeowners staining a railing, repairing a porch, replacing a deck or painting a front door that you understand just how meaningful this work truly is… There are moments of transformation — not just for the homes, but for the neighborhoods and for all of us who get to be a part of it… The impact of Rock the Block is much greater than the improvements you can physically see. Yes, new siding, fresh paint, safer steps and revitalized yards all matter, but the real transformation happens in the renewed sense of dignity, safety and belonging that homeowners experience. When we invest time and effort into these neighborhoods, we’re not just building stronger homes. We’re building stronger communities.”