Exploring Life & Business with John George of Detroit Blight Busters

Today we’d like to introduce you to John George

Hi John, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In June of 1988 two of My neighbors and Myself got together on a Saturday to board up and clean up a crack house. We didn’t want to move and We didn’t want our children to grow up in and around negative energy. When the drug dealers returned they couldn’t get in the house and they left. We have meet almost every Saturday since for the last 36 years to do something positive in our Community. Our goal is to save the World starting with Detroit.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. By far the hardest thing We have ever done in our life. I am 50 percent Italian 50 percent Lebanese and 100 percent DETROIT stubborn. You have to KILL ME to get rid of Me. We vowed to save our neighborhood and The City of Detroit .

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We use 1000s of Volunteers to clean up and rebuild our Community. We have helped to build and renovate 100s of homes that are now owner occupied. We have built two community centers and working on our 3rd. We have many projects and programs. We have a mural program. We have a Community Garden. We are building 48 units of affordable housing. We have a summer youth employment program. We have a food program. We have a furniture program. We are working with The Mayor and City Council on our Arts Alley. We own and operate Artist Village Detroit. We gave many events and art festival. We have a facade improvement program.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always looking for volunteers. We Love to partner with other groups and organizations. Fund raising is on going.

Pricing:

• When others partner with us to do volunteer we ask for a donation to help cover related costs.
• We lease out our community center for various functions
• We have a coffee shop in our community center.v
• We write grants
• We rehab and sell houses

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.detroitblightbusters.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DetroitBlightBusters
• Twitter: Detroit Blight Busters
• Youtube: Detroit Blight Busters