Groups, city and schools officials to join volunteers in boarding up vacant Detroit houses

About 150 vacant houses on Detroit's west side are expected to get boarded up as part of a project to improve life in the city and make neighborhoods safer for young people.

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries says it will join city workers, Mayor Dave Bing's office, the Detroit Public Schools and other volunteers Saturday in securing the houses near Cody High School.

The project is part of "Make a Difference Day." More than 400 volunteers are expected to help.

Detroit Schools emergency financial manager Roy Roberts says "safety is one of the biggest concerns" for students and their families and that "not having a safe route to school can be a major barrier to improving student achievement."

Detroit has an estimated 30,000 or more vacant houses and buildings.