ABOUT US

REBUILDING

DETROIT

ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AT A TIME

FOUNDED IN

1988

Detroit Blight Busters (DBB) traces its roots back to the passion and determination of John George, a lifelong resident of Detroit's northwest side. Fueled by his love for his city and a desire to combat the blight and crime that plagued his neighborhood, George took the first step towards change. In 1988, he rallied a group of parents in his community to board up the windows of an abandoned building that had become a hub for drug dealing. The success of this initial effort marked the birth of DBB.

Driven by the need for a safer and revitalized neighborhood, George continued his mission. Having experienced firsthand the impact of community-led initiatives, he dedicated himself to eradicating blight throughout Detroit. His unwavering commitment to making a difference led to the creation of Detroit Blight Busters, a nonprofit organization with a focus on not only tearing down blighted properties but also constructing new structures, renovating existing ones, fostering local businesses, and cultivating a sense of community.

    OUR    

MISSION

At Detroit Blight Busters, our mission is to create vibrant, safe, and thriving neighborhoods in Detroit by addressing blight, promoting community engagement, and providing innovative solutions for sustainable development. We are driven by the belief that every neighborhood deserves the opportunity to flourish and that a comprehensive approach is essential to achieve lasting transformation. Our focus extends beyond blight removal; we are committed to building new homes, renovating existing properties, supporting local entrepreneurs, and cultivating community spaces that inspire unity and progress.

Through collaboration, hard work, and a dedication to our community, we aspire to empower residents and inspire a sense of pride in their surroundings. Our mission is rooted in the idea that a united effort can lead to meaningful change and contribute to the revitalization of Detroit.

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METHOD

At Detroit Blight Busters, we have adopted a multifaceted approach to neighborhood revival that encompasses both physical transformation and community empowerment. Over the past three decades, our dedicated volunteer workforce, totaling 182,000 individuals, has made a substantial impact on blight eradication and neighborhood enhancement. Our accomplishments include:

  • Demolishing over 300 blighted homes to eliminate sources of crime and visual pollution.

  • Renovating and painting 700 properties to restore their appeal and contribute to a safer environment.

  • Securing 400 vacant properties by boarding them up, preventing further deterioration.

  • Constructing more than 100 new homes, providing housing opportunities for over 1,000 Detroit residents.

  • Establishing Artist Village Detroit, a vibrant community space that features a coffee shop, music venue, and event space. This innovative project not only repurposes existing structures but also supports local artists and fosters a sense of cultural enrichment.

In addition to our physical efforts, we actively engage with the community through various initiatives, such as urban gardening, entrepreneurship support, and collaborative cleanup efforts. We have played a role in advocating for the reopening of government buildings and attracting corporate retailers to the area, creating a more diverse and accessible neighborhood.

Detroit Blight Busters' holistic approach, spearheaded by John George's unwavering commitment, has transformed sections of Detroit into thriving neighborhoods, offering a glimpse of what's possible through dedicated community action. While challenges persist, our accomplishments stand as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and collaborative efforts to bring about positive change.