U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis participates in greening of low-income residence as part of United We Serve

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis today participated in the "green" refurbishing and painting of a Los Angeles low-income residence with high school students and adult volunteers through LA CAUSA, a youth leadership and community development organization that is a grantee of the Labor Department's nationwide YouthBuild program. The effort was part of a kick-off for United We Serve, President Obama's summer service initiative to create meaningful change in America's communities through long-term volunteer involvement.

"Helping our neighbors is something that all Americans have done for decades and what makes this country great. Today, all across the country we're kicking off President Obama's summer service initiative – United We Serve," said Secretary Solis. "The president and I believe that America's new foundation will be built one community at a time, through service and volunteerism, and the commitment of individuals willing to build a better future for us all.

"Just a few hours ago, high school students and adults from building and trades unions involved in LA CAUSA and I spent time together at the home of Samuel Losoya, a disabled Vietnam veteran who needed assistance in making his home wheelchair accessible," added Secretary Solis. "Mr. Losoya served his country honorably, and over the years, has faced many serious health issues. He needed assistance from his community. Helping our neighbors is something that all Americans have done for decades and what makes this country great. United We Serve is a call to all Americans to join a volunteer effort this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America."

United We Serve will run through Sept. 11 and is being led by the Corporation for National Community Service (visit www.serve.gov) to foster volunteerism and service in communities across the country.

Secretary Solis and the LA CAUSA group used environmentally-friendly equipment and materials on today's house project. The home was painted with non-toxic paint and received other green treatments.

• Read this news release en Espa ol.