The sweltering heat and humidity Wednesday didn't keep volunteers from beautifying a MidMichigan community.

Dozens picked up shovels, rakes, and paint brushes to take over several blocks in Bay City.

United by faith in people, the volunteers went to work giving time, sweat, and hope to their neighbors.

They spread paint and pride with every stroke.

Jerry Babinski, a paint coordinator, says "You have two or three homes in this block, all of a sudden they look really nice again. The value of the whole neighborhood goes up, therefore the other neighbors start looking around saying 'Hey, I can do the same thing with my house as well.'"

"Everything was just rotting," says Joe White, a resident on Adams Street. His front porch was crumbling. Volunteers built him a new one. White says, "It makes it safer. Now my grandson can play on the porch. He's two and a half."

In all, 10 houses, two churches, and a parsonage all received renovation by volunteers.

Mary Huizar, a 77 year old living on Adams Street, says "I'm really proud of them. They're doing a good job." Huizar received a new driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping.

Dennis Banaszak, Bay City Commissioner for the 3rd Ward says, "I couldn't be prouder. These people, they deserve a hand up, and that's what we're giving them."

This is the first year churches are getting a facelift. Habitat for Humanity says they're the number one supporter of the program and deserve the help.

Volunteers began remodeling last Saturday and will continue until this coming Saturday.