Reviving Neighborhoods, Restoring Hope
About Paint Your Heart Out Tampa
Paint Your Heart Out Tampa (PYHOT) is a one-day annual volunteer initiative dedicated to painting and beautifying the homes of low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans throughout the city of Tampa…completely free of charge! Founded in 1988, the idea was inspired by a similar program in Pittsburgh and launched with the help of a 50-member Steering Committee, leading to Tampa’s first Paint Day in the spring of 1989.
Since then, the organization has grown into a city-wide movement, uniting over 2,500 volunteers each year who donate more than 18,000 hours annually to transform homes and lives. To date, the program has used over 1,475 gallons of paint and 1,200 brushes and rollers each year, beautifying neighborhoods across Tampa and fostering a renewed sense of dignity and community.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to enrich lives and renew our community through annual volunteer efforts to paint and beautify our senior, veteran, or disabled neighbors' homes...one paint brush at a time.
What We Do
Free Exterior Painting
We serve low-income seniors, veterans, and disabled residents with no-cost, high-quality exterior paintwork.
Volunteer-Powered
Every April, teams of 12–25 volunteers gather to complete coordinated home painting in one day.
Community Driven
We operate without government funding and powered entirely by private donations and in-kind support.
Homeowner-Focused
Each home receives a professional finish with base paint and personalized trim color options.
Year-Round Planning
Dedicated committees coordinate logistics, sponsors, volunteers, and home selection year-round.
Updated 2025
Our Impact by the Numbers
Paint Your Heart Out Tampa is more than just a day of service. It’s a lasting movement that has transformed lives, homes, and neighborhoods across the city for more than three decades. These numbers highlight the power of community-driven care:
- Over 3,100 homes painted since our founding in 1989
- More than $300,000 in annual value from volunteer hours
- Over 550,000 hours donated by community members
- Supported by 5 Tampa mayors: Jane Castor, Bob Buckhorn, Pam Iorio, Dick Greco, and Sandy Freedman
- No government funding – 100% community supported
This ongoing effort is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors, and the strength of our city. With no government assistance, every home painted is a reflection of Tampa’s community spirit, proving that compassion, teamwork, and a few paintbrushes can truly transform lives.
Who Makes It Happen
From the founding team to thousands of volunteers, this program thrives because of the people behind it. Here are the key groups that power Paint Your Heart Out Tampa:
Executive Director
Jerry Hansen, part of the founding leadership since 1989.
Meet Jerry Hansen
Executive Director
Steering Committee
25+ active members, some serving continuously for 30+ years
Steering Committee
Sponsors & Donors
Provide both financial support and in-kind supplies.
Sponsors & Donors
Local Partners
Include schools, civic groups, corporations, military teams, faith organizations, and individual volunteers
Local Partners
Why It Matters
A fresh coat of paint does more than improve a home. It uplifts the people inside and unites the community around them. Every brushstroke carries a message of care, connection, and lasting impact.
Restoring
Dignity
A freshly painted home builds pride, comfort, and renewed self-worth.
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Creates bonds across generations and cultural backgrounds.
Leaving a
Legacy
Volunteers return yearly and often continue supporting the same homes.
