Habitat volunteers bring a week of repairs and a block party to historic Joppa

Joppa, one of Dallas' historic freedmen's communities, is getting a week of hands-on care. Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity's Rock the Block runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 24. Volunteers are doing home repairs and renovations, and the week wraps up with a neighborhood block party.

Formerly enslaved Texans founded Joppa in 1872. WFAA reports that Henry Critz Hines, a formerly enslaved man from the nearby Miller Plantation, founded the community, and an official Texas Historical Marker recognizes its significance. Habitat has partnered with Joppa residents for more than 20 years to create affordable homeownership opportunities.

Rock the Block honors Habitat's 40th anniversary. WFAA reports that volunteers are working in three areas during the week: neighborhood improvement projects, community beautification, and safety and education. Habitat describes the effort as bringing together residents, volunteers, corporate partners, and community leaders. Its sponsors range from United Way Metropolitan Dallas and the Dallas ToolBank to Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat.

The celebration is the community block party on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. According to Habitat, the program will recognize homeowners and volunteers and include a heritage museum and an outdoor art installation. It will also celebrate Joppa's history, legacy, and future and look back on Habitat's 40 years of work. More details are on Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity's Rock the Block page.

WFAA is the initiative's media sponsor and has placed a team of journalists in Joppa to share the neighborhood's history during the week.

This story is based on reporting by WFAA, with additional details from Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity.