DETROIT (AP) -- Hundreds of volunteers have gotten busy boarding up vacant houses on Detroit's west side as part of a project to improve life in the city and make neighborhoods safer for young people.

The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press report that representatives of several groups including Mayor Dave Bing's office and the Detroit Public Schools turned out Saturday to secure homes near Cody High School. The project is part of "Make a Difference Day."

Bing and Detroit schools' emergency financial manager Roy Roberts were among those in attendance.

About 150 homes were expected to be boarded up. Detroit has an estimated 30,000 or more vacant houses and buildings.

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