The Curtis House

The Curtis House :



A Community Centered Service Project

125 Jeter Avenue
Opelika, AL

 

Why The Curtis House?




                               
Ask yourself, “What happens to my community
when their dreams and aspirations are no longer important to me?”



What happens to the city when our neighbors face difficult circumstances and are at the point of giving up?



Where do you go when you need to take your mind off
the stress of your day?




...maybe you’re looking for a place
where you can find help?




Many studies have shown that you can improve your own wellbeing by helping to improve the wellbeing of others. Researchers believe community- based organizations create an environment where people feel free to gather, engage in healthy public debate, and in which norms of mutual respect and toleration protect the voices of majority and minority alike.”

***Information provided by the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund of the Aspen Institute

   






Life is happening to all of us,
and oftentimes we feel like we don’t
have anything left to give to anyone else

Our far too busy lifestyles have left a relationship deficiency towards our neighbors across Opelika

House is a place for men who are ready to give themselves back to their children, families, and the community.


The Service






Mr. Lottie B. Curtis was a member of the Greater Peace Baptist Church. His church roles consisted of deacon, singing in the Male Choir, Missionary Society, and Church Sexton. In addition, Mr. Curtis would also assist the church by serving as a driver to help transport Rev. N. H. Carr (former pastor of Greater Peace) to and from speaking engagements when needed.

Prior to becoming a community farmer, he served in the United States Navy and was a World War II Veteran. Mr. Lottie B. Curtis was a member of the Jeter Street now Jeter Avenue community. He served his community by growing and sharing the many vegetables and fruit that he raised in his backyard garden and farm on the Taylor and Frederick land in rural Opelika.

Mr. Lottie B. Curtis pr
oduced homegrown vegetables such as collards, cabbage, turnips, peas, beans, squash, corn, tomatoes, okra, cucumbers, peppers, and sweet potatoes. His orchard included apple trees, pear trees, plum trees, pecan trees, fig vines, scuba dines, crab apples, and sugar cane. Mr. Curtis also produced watermelon (red and yellow meat). Many of the products were canned and preserved and all were shared with the members of his community.

Mr. Lottie B. Curtis also served the community by teaching many to drive and obtain driver’s license, transporting those in the community to jobs, shopping malls and other places around town as well as out of town. Mr. Curtis was a neighborhood watchman. He cared about his family
and others in the community. Mr. Curtis loved serving and helping others.



The Legacy of Military Service Continues



           

The Legacy of Mentoring Remains Strong





The Legacy of Engagement Lives On

   


Jeremy Gray is carrying on a family’s legacy of community service with the restoration of the old Curtis house. He is making a difference in his family’s life and serves as a motivational stimulant for many throughout the community.

                      





Elevate Your Grind Towards Change


A Village Raised Us



Growing up on Chester Avenue, now referred to as Samford Court, there were nine of us in a four bedroom project. On every corner of the projects was family and friends. I was never ashamed, we all grew up in the projects. It was a functioning society of people raising us. The environment was not what many may think, it was a... hold your ears and pinch your nose, it was a clan, a gang. It was organized chaos. At times it was violent but, there was a line, a code of conduct. Children and old folks were off limits, and the home was respected. We were disciplined and corrected by every adult on the block whether or not they themselves were doing what was seen as right. And, we were encouraged to play sports by positive and negative influences alike. Playing ball was an universal language of getting ahead and getting out. Yes, we saw guns drawn, drug use, fights, and more; but, it wasn’t
commonplace and it was seldom







carried over past the day because people were either your family or like family. Most people at that time were born and raised in Opelika. Those in disputes quickly gained an understanding, the line was created, and then they moved on. Contrary to popular belief, mothers and fathers went to work everyday but lived in and near the projects because the rent was cheap and they didn’t have banking relationships to purchase homes. The candy lady and the drug dealers were “street” sole proprietors and our examples of entrepreneurship. Yet, every time the church doors were opened, we were there. From Sunday school, Bible study, Vacation Bible School, MLK Day speeches, choir rehearsals to ushering-it didn’t matter, whatever you do in church, we did. Then came Monday and we would do it all again.

Yet, there was place we could go to break away from the monotony. My great-grandfather’s house was where everyone could gather when they were in need or just time away from the stress of the day. There was never a shortage of food, we celebrated birthdays, threw block parties, and kids were always running around outside. My family home was home away from home. As a family, we gave away clothes and shoes and always looked after people we knew were sick or elderly. Yes, the community had various elements; however, having a place of positive influence helped to make a difference in the community. My great-grandfather gave people help when they were in need and solitude when the noisiness of their life got too loud. Families were not forced into things they would later regret because they had a place to go for help. My great- grandfather, Lottie B. Curtis was someone the community, which raised me, could trust.

 

Why Restore The Curtis House?

Location, Location, and Location!!!




•  Conveniently located in the City of Opelika near 1-85

•  500 feet from Opelika City School’s Opelika Learning Center 
for alternative education solutions

•  Within walking distance of Opelika Housing Authority’s Samford Court and Raintree

•  Less than a quarter of a mile from Jeter Primary and the nearby Greater Peace Pre-K Partnership Program



•  Near Historic Downtown Opelika, which provides additional opportunities for local business volunteerism

•  Located on a main thoroughfare identified by the Carver-Jeter Plan, aiding in beautification goals and improved community facilities goals


•  Supporting a native of Opelika with a desire to create the necessary change needed in his community.

•  A worthwhile service project for the community to not only gain motivation but receive the necessary resources from a provider with a holistic approach to establishing the genuine relationship that is needed in order to elevate themselves and their families.

The Property



                                                          




The Restoration of the Shed The Intuition Lab Cost Estimate :

Total $14,323.09 w/out tax and labor

 

Purchase of a New Shed :




16X32 Shed with Loft Cost Estimate

•  Buildings $8,000

•  Finished interior 
$5,600

Total $13,600

No exterior labor necessary ***




Finishing the Intuition Lab The Intuition Lab :




Cost Estimate


Donated laptops $0

Donated iPads $0

Donated safety lockers $0

(10) Folding tables $500

(50) chairs $978

Bookcases $250

Whiteboard $200

Smart Projector $500

A/C window unit with heat $250

Total $2678




Finishing the Minnie Kate Clinic The Minnie Kate Clinic :




Cost Estimate

Donated dental chair $0

Donated exam table $0


Donated items to create cozy environment $0

Paint for entire shed $250

Donated stuffed animals, toys, and books $0

Bookcase, tables, and chairs $250

A/C window unit with heat $250

Total $750



The Installation of the Gardens The Elijah Garden & MEND Lawn :





Cost Estimate

 Small greenhouse/hoop house $400

 Gardening & composting toolkits $200

 Plants
Landscaping $800
 Fencing materials $
1700

 Artificial turf by Turf Factory Concrete  $2000

 Pavers  $4900


Total $10,000

 
Comparison : Building Cost


The Restoration of The Curtis House: A 2017 Community Project  




Is The Curtis House worth your support?

Each of Us Believe So!!!





Your support can create meaningful change!