Students participate in program to help revitalize south side of Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The Center for Dynamic Learning is heading up a program to help revitalize the south side of Providence.

Overgrown lawns and homes in disrepair are some of the problems that the kids have noticed about their neighborhood.

"I see my home basically because I grew up here, but I also see a lot of broken down houses that need to be fixed.” Samantha Munoz, who participates in the program.

Munoz said about 60 teenagers from around the state will take to the streets and help out.

They identified homes in need of repair and simply knocked on the door and asked if whoever lives there needs any work done.

It's all headed up by Kevin Cunha.

"I tell them, 'You can put this on your resume. It's bragging rights later. You're doing something really good,’” he said.

But they need help.

They have received $100,000 from the Governor's Workforce Board, but that money only stretches so far.

They need paint, lumber, fencing, gardening tools -- anything to help rehabilitate the properties.

"It's really getting out there and getting people to understand the project we're doing and companies wanting to give back, as well," Cunha said.

Carleslie Quixtan, who is another participant, shared similar sentiments.

"They'll feel nicer about where they live,” she said of the people they help. “They'll be like, 'Oh, this is where I live, it's all beautiful.' I want everyone to have a beautiful place so that when they wake up and leave their house, they're like, 'This is where I live and I'm proud.'"

The kids are also receiving a small stipend at the end of the program, along with college credit, which is a huge selling point for the workers.

"That's why I'm here,” Munoz said. “It's not the only reason I'm here, but it's a big reason I'm here."

Learn more about the program at cdlri.org.