Frequently Asked Questions
Select a category below.
What is the Compton Initiative?
With a 40-year mission that began in 2006, the Compton Initiative seeks to restore the City of Compton by painting homes, schools and churches on quarterly workdays in partnership with individual volunteers and other organizations.
Do you build homes?
Rather than build homes, we organize volunteers to do exterior beautification projects for existing homes, schools and churches.
How are homes and schools chosen for renovation?
We select homes after reviewing homeowner requests and select schools in partnership the Compton Unified School District.
Who manages the Compton Initiative?
The Compton Initiative is governed by a board of directors who oversee our charitable mission and the stewardship of donated funds to manage resources for beautification days, a fully-stocked warehouse and a small paid staff.
How often do beautification events occur?
We coordinate beautification events every January, April, July, and October.
How much does it cost to participate?
While volunteers are free to participate, we request a $25 donation from each volunteer who can help us with funding. Since we offer property renovation at no cost to homeowners, churches and schools, raising funds is a continual need. Each work day requires $72,000 to pay for paint, supplies and equipment, as well as breakfast and lunch for each volunteer.
How much time is involved for volunteers for each beautification event?
We meet at the Compton courthouse plaza for breakfast and a rally from 7:00 to 7:45am, dismiss to arrive at work sites by 8:00am and then wrap up at noon with pizza and happy, tired volunteers.
How far are work sites from the rally location?
Most worksites are located within three miles from the rally location at the Compton courthouse.
What should a volunteer wear on the day of the event?
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes and clothes for working that may get “seasoned” with paint or dirt. Also, an official Compton Initiative t-shirt may be purchased at the rally for $10.
What should a volunteer bring on the day of the event?
Other than work clothes, a water bottle and $10 in cash for an official t-shirt, we will provide food, additional water and the supplies needed for a fulfilling day.
Can children participate?
Our beautification events are great family activities – even youngsters can use a paint brush. Children must be supervised by a responsible parent or guardian to ensure their safety, and the parent or guardian must complete and sign waiver form on the day of the event.
Can our volunteer group request to work at a particular site?
We will do our best to accommodate site requests we cannot guarantee a specific location due to the limits of scheduling over fifteen hundred volunteers. We will confirm group assignments the Thursday before each workday event.
May I modify your flyer and add our organization’s logo?
While you may create your own event flyers to suit your organization, graphic materials provided by the Compton Initiative should not be modified.
How can my large group volunteer to work in Compton?
We regularly host groups ranging from tens to hundreds in size. Please pre-register your group online before the stated deadline so that we can accommodate you.
Can people be added to our group if we haven’t included them by the deadline?
We have capacity for late add-ons to your group but ask they be limited to no more than ten additional volunteers.
How can I volunteer as a Compton Initiative lieutenant?
We welcome your help in leading a crew of volunteers at a worksite as a lieutenant. To get started, please see our application.
How can I volunteer apart from a scheduled workday?
We need volunteers for Compton Initiative prep days since each home we beautify requires sanding, scraping and pressure washing so that volunteers can arrive and paint the next week. Typically, homes are prepped the Saturday morning prior to each scheduled workday. Please contact us if you are interested in assisting.
How can I volunteer at the Compton Initiative?
Please register to be a volunteer by following this link: JustDoGood.org/Volunteer
For more information about supporting the Compton Initiative, please contact Jeudy Mom at info@justdogood.org or (562) 817-0822.