FLINT -- The group is called Neighborhoods without Borders and members are working to make a difference in the communities they live, learn, work, and play.

Abandoned homes are just one problem a group of Genesee County community members is working to solve.

"We have a lot of homes available that the longer they sit vacant the worse shape they're in," says Douglas Weiland, executive director of Land Bank.

Members come from different backgrounds and meet once a month to connect the neighborhoods in and around Flint. They target areas like education, violence, gangs, and housing.

"The goal is to connect neighborhoods and work within neighborhoods to provide tools to strengthen and become sustainable to succeed," says Genesee County Habitat for Humanity executive director, Margaret Kato.

One of the groups' most recent projects is urban homesteading. Leaders plan to take abandoned homes scattered throughout many Flint neighborhoods and revitalize them.

It would allow hopeful homeowners to purchase a home at a low cost and gain independence.

"The real intent would be to have people take home ownership in exchange for making the repairs and living in the home for some period of time," says Weiland.

"Habitat has a vision where everyone has a decent place to live and that's what's important to us so whatever we can provide to get that vision is what we want to help with," says Kato.

The group welcomes any and all volunteers to join them in their mission to connect communities.

For more information, you can contact the Genesee County Habitat for Humanity.