Volunteers Work Together to Restore, Secure Detroit

Restoring Detroit - it's a big job, but some dedicated people say they're up to the task. Abandoned homes and blight are big targets on their radar.

The Greater Detroit Restoration Coalition Project is a consortium of community organizations devoted to bringing safety to all Detroit neighborhoods.There are more than 80,000 abandoned houses in Detroit. Many are havens for sexual predators, drug trafficking and other crimes. A large group worked this weekend to board up abandoned homes in the area of E. State Fair.

"We have to do something about it. We have to make it safer for our youth and our women," said volunteer David Troupe. "We have to come together as a community and look out for one another."

The Detroit Coalition Against Violence, It Takes A Village Y'all, The New Marcus Garvey, The Better Detroit Youth Movement, CCF, The True Oracles Of God Ministries and YouthVille are all part of the effort.

It costs about $200 to board up each abandoned home. A fundraiser is planned for June 4 from 3-7pm at the McDonalds in Highland Park, 14124 Woodward Ave.