Flint, MI – This fall, six dedicated Flint neighborhood groups came together for the 2024 Step-Up Pick-Up competition, an annual friendly competition between Flint neighborhood groups aimed at reducing litter, beautifying neighborhoods, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Second place – West Court Street Church of God

Over the course of two weeks, 63 volunteers worked tirelessly, collecting a staggering 5,190 pounds of trash (2.6 tons!), while taking nearly 134,000 steps and contributing a combined 177 hours of volunteer service to make Flint a cleaner, greener city. The winning groups each received a cash prize to use to make their neighborhoods cleaner, more welcoming places. Additionally, individual Litter Champions were awarded to thank these Flint residents for their commitment to keeping our city clean throughout the year.

“Thank you to all of the hardworking volunteers that came out to help pick up litter and congratulations to the winners of the competition!” said Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc. “Our Step-Up Pick-Up program helps to build and sustain our healthy and vibrant communities, and we thank our Flint neighbors for their dedication.”

The competition, organized by the Green Life initiative, a program of Communities First, Inc. (CFI), encourages Flint residents to take pride in their neighborhoods and engage in hands-on efforts to improve their local environments. This year’s competition not only helped rid Flint neighborhoods of debris but also brought together volunteers of all ages to show their commitment to environmental stewardship and community pride.

“We are so proud of the incredible work done by all the participating groups in this year’s competition,” said Joel Arnold, Planning and Advocacy Manager for CFI. “These volunteers demonstrated remarkable dedication, and together, they made a significant impact on the cleanliness and beauty of Flint’s neighborhoods. This event is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the positive change that can happen when neighbors come together.”

2024 Step-Up Pick-Up Competition Winners

Third place – Reroot Flint

The 2024 competition was fierce, with each group working hard to outdo the others in various categories. We are excited to announce the winners:

Most Litter Collected

  • 1st Place: Mott Park Neighborhood Association – $1,000
  • 2nd Place: West Court Street Church of God – $500
  • 3rd Place: Reroot Flint – $250

Most Volunteers

  • West Court Street Church of God

Most Steps Taken

  • Mott Park Neighborhood Association

Litter Champions (Awarded a $50 Gift Card Each)

  • Chris Monk
  • Rob McCullough
  • Bernard Drew
  • Yasheah Shepherd
  • Nadaly Marchi

Event Impact:

  • 5,190 pounds of trash collected (2.6 tons!)
  • 133,800 steps taken
  • 63 volunteers participated
  • 177 total volunteer hours contributed

First place: Mott Park Neighborhood Association

These efforts were made possible thanks to the generous support of Meijer, a key sponsor of the event, whose commitment to community and sustainability continues to help make Flint a cleaner, more vibrant place to live.

About Green Life & Step-Up Pick-Up

Green Life is an environmental education initiative by CFI that promotes sustainable practices and raises awareness about important environmental issues such as climate change, water conservation, and recycling. Through programs like Step-Up Pick-Up, Green Life helps empower residents to actively participate in beautifying their communities and improving local environments.

In addition to its community clean-ups, CFI hosts Step-Up Pick-Up events throughout the year, giving neighborhood groups, schools, and local businesses the opportunity to get involved in hands-on beautification projects. From litter collection to weeding and planting, these events are a chance to connect with neighbors, foster pride in local neighborhoods, and help make Flint a cleaner, more beautiful place to live.

Looking Ahead

As 2024 comes to a close, the Green Life initiative will continue to promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and community pride through additional beautification efforts and educational programs. Whether through future Step-Up Pick-Up events or other initiatives, Flint residents are invited to stay engaged and keep working together to create a healthier, more sustainable community.

About Communities First, Inc. (CFI)

Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation. Headquartered in Flint, CFI serves over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.

###