Motor City Blight Busters is dedicated to removing negative energy from Detroit. The non-profit, community-based organization has worked for the past 14 years to board up crack houses and beautify the community.
John George, president and founder of Blight Busters, began the program back in 1988. George and his family were tired of living next to a crack house. With help from his neighbors, he boarded up the abandoned house and cleaned up the area around it.
When the drug dealers returned, as they did every weekend, they were unable to get in. Eventually, they left and never came back.
Having been successful in his particular mission, George developed bigger, better goals.
During the past 14 years, George and Blight Busters have successfully renovated 158 homes, destroyed 98 lots and built 100 new homes.
Once the neighborhood receives a facelift from Blight Busters, the change in the community is obvious.
“Crime goes down, property values go up and community spirit soars,” says George. “Our goal and mission since 1988 is to revitalize and stabilize the neighborhoods which were once forgotten.”
Blight Busters depends on its volunteers to get the job done. With the help of six employees and more than 10,000 volunteers all working toward the same goal, Blight Busters’ success has been nationally recognized. In 1998, President Bill Clinton named George a Point of Light.
“The way to success is to get everyone to participate,” says George.
A large number of student volunteers come from the University of Michigan. Katie Klein, a University of Michigan sophomore, became a volunteer during high school.
“I have been volunteering for three years now,” says Klein. “I think Blight Busters and their cause is wonderful. I enjoy dedicating my time.”
Klein, who grew up in Dearborn, will continue to be a volunteer as long as she lives in the area.
Currently, Blight Busters is working to build six new homes and turn one old house into a coffee shop. It also has plans to renovate the third floor of their office building into a cyber café.
But these plans may take longer than expected. Fewer donations from businesses and individuals are causing the completion of these projects to move at a slower pace.
“After Sept. 11, the stream of donations went down,” says George.
With George’s goal and vision, the budget – no matter how much – is never big enough.
Blight Busters not only works to beautify Detroit’s neighborhoods, but also provides individuals with potential jobs. There are currently 126 students working toward their GED through Blight Busters. Once students complete their degree, they are offered a job with a construction company or other companies that work with Blight Busters.
The Blight Busters organization and its coalition of partners and volunteers are always in need of assistance in their effort to beautify and revitalize Detroit communities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, stop by at 17405 Lahser in Detroit or call (313) 255-4355.