Homeowners throughout Topeka can now apply to get their houses painted

The city of Topeka has expanded its guidelines for homeowners to have their houses painted at no cost this summer, now allowing anyone from throughout the capital city to apply, a city official said.

Shane Wilson, program intake coordinator with the city’s Neighborhood Relations department, said Monday the city had initially focused in North Topeka and Ward-Meade neighborhoods as they looked for struggling homeowners who needed help getting their houses painted.

But after calls from throughout the community, the program is being opened to anyone in the city who meets guidelines.

Group Cares, a Colorado-based organization, will bring its team of 300 to 400 youth volunteers to Topeka from July 7-13 with the goal of helping elderly, disabled or otherwise struggling homeowners get their houses painted, Wilson said.