"We will try to get them more involved in the community and encourage them to work with us," Addy says. "That creates relationships within that community. The response from Tennessee Street is more than could be expected."

Handyman Ministries also sponsors a paid tradesman apprenticeship program (handymanministries.com). Young people who are at least 18 years old can apply to the group for the apprenticeship; at the end of it they will have a builders' and contractors' license. In addition, the ministry will give those who complete the program one of the homes they have helped to rehab.

It's a pretty good start in life to have a home, a trade and a sense of belief in and support of the community where you live. At its most basic, that's what ARISE Detroit! and Neighborhoods Day is about in a city that is reeling and where so many have little hope. 

"The mayor has told us repeatedly that we are living in an age of finite resources," Keith says. "We need a different model that forces us to be more creative and take on stuff that we wouldn't have taken on 25 years ago. Do something on this day. Come together."

The most important things that will arise on Neighborhoods Day are the hearts and souls of people across the city.

Larry Gabriel is a writer, musician and former editor of Metro Times. Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com.

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