Zeal Credit Union joins Detroit Blight Busters to Combat Blight in Northwest Detroit
120 Zeal Teammates Join in support of DBB’s mission to create and more vibrant, empowered Detroit
DETROIT, MI (October 9, 2023) — Nearly 120 Zeal Credit Union employees are teaming up with Detroit Blight Busters (DBB), a Detroit non-profit dedicated entirely – for the past 30 years and running – to revitalizing and empowering neighborhoods in northwest Detroit. DBB, founded by John George, a lifelong resident of Detroit’s northwest side, is fueled by his love for the city and a desire to effect positive change.
George started the organization in 1988 to combat the blight and crime that plagued his neighborhood; And now, 30 years and over 1,000 secured properties later, that mission is stronger than ever, using the power of community and volunteerism to harness Detroit restoration and to empower continuous, unrelenting progress and positive change in northwest Detroit.
Zeal Credit Union, whose entire team is showing up on Oct 9th in support off DBB’s mission, is a certified Community Development Financial Institution with a charitable foundation that supports local families, communities, and organizations. Zeal’s full team, for several years, has dedicated this day, as well as ongoing support to organizations such as DBB, Detroit’s Auntie Na’s Village, Forgotten Harvest, Fish & Loaves and more.
What: #ZealTheLove
The full Zeal team, nearly 120 team members, will join DBB’s team in a day of service, demolishing blighted houses, painting a mural, etc.
Who: Detroit Blight Buster’s John George, 120 Zeal team members, Zeal Credit Union leadership.
When: Monday, October 9, 2023 at 9:20am – 1pm (with formal speaking portion to take place at start of the day.)
-Zeal and DBB can accommodate anytime throughout the day up until 1 pm, for media looking to cover the day and Detroit Blight Busters’ incredible mission-
Where: Detroit Blight Busters: Motor City Java House (17336 Lahser Rd, Detroit).
John and Alicia George
Photo courtesy of DetroitBlightBusters.org
About Zeal Credit Union
About Zeal Credit Union: Zeal Credit Union is a mission-driven, Community Development Financial Institution(CDFI) and a full-service, not-for-profit financial organization serving 67,000 members at 12 full-service branches in
the Metro Detroit area with $831 million in assets. Zeal member deposits are insured to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a US government agency. For more information, visit www.ZealCU.org.
About Detroit Blight Busters
Detroit Blight Busters (DBB)is rebuilding Detroit, one neighborhood at a time. DBB’s roots are traced back to the passion and determination of John George, a lifelong resident of Detroit’s northwest side. Fueled by his love for his city and a desire to combat the blight and crime that plagued his neighborhood, George took the first step towards change. In 1988, he rallied a group of parents in his community to board up the windows of an abandoned building that had become a hub for drug dealing. The success of this initial effort marked the birth of DBB and now, 30 years later, is going strong, demolishing over 900 blighted homes, renovating 700 properties, securing 400 vacant properties, and constructing more than 100 new homes and housing for over 1,000 Detroit residents.
