By Judy Halone-The Courier Herald

It took two weekends, 20 gallons of paint and eight volunteers to turn Jim and Florence Barber's Prairie Ridge home into a house of a different color.

The good-neighbor gesture concluded Saturday and was made possible by Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful, a program of Associated Ministries.

&#8220We have around 1,800 volunteers this year,” said Director Sallie Shawl, who hopes to have 90 homes completed by Aug.13.

To be considered for the project, the Barbers first underwent an application and screening process that considered such criteria as the home's condition and estimated repairs. Recipients must also either be a senior citizen or disabled and meet financial stipulations based on federal and Pierce County block grant guidelines.

Jim Barber wasted no time in applying when he heard about the project.

&#8220I'm handicapped and I qualified,” the three-war veteran said. &#8220I've lived in this house since 1987 and that's the last time it was painted.”

Volunteer coordinator Carianne Sellers and her Bonney Lake crew began prepping the Barbers' home and three outbuildings July 28.

&#8220This was one of the easier ones; it didn't have any rotten boards to replace,” she said.

The Barbers watched in awe and appreciation while the group worked nearly non-stop.

&#8220I am thrilled,” Florence Barber said. &#8220They have been very helpful. I even offered them sandwiches, but they brought their own.”

&#8220We never heard any complaints,” Jim Barber said. &#8220We're happy to see the improvements made. I will back up this group 100 percent for what they are doing.”

The project required all painting to be completed by hand, said DJ Sellers, Carianne Sellers' husband.

&#8220An airless could have done the job quickly. But by having us all paint in a group, we present a sense of community to the recipients,” he said.

While the crew concentrated on giving the Barber home their best shot, they didn't take themselves too seriously.

&#8220I’m sure if a professional saw us painting they'd laugh,” Rachel Kerrigan said.

&#8220This one was way thirsty,” DJ Sellers joked. &#8220We've probably used twice as much (paint) as we should have.”

But when all was said and done, everyone involved seemed pleased with the outcome.

&#8220It's nice, because you're seeing immediate results. It's really encouraging to see the change,” Carianne Sellers said.

Jim Barber echoed Sellers' comments.

&#8220Oh man, this is terrific,” he said.

Judy Halone can be reached at jhalone@courierherald.com.