VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL)--A couple hundred youth volunteers from across the country are in south Georgia, taking a break from their summer vacation to help others.
They arrived in Valdosta for Southern Hospitality Workcamp.
They'll spend the week repairing 18 houses in the community for elderly and disabled homeowners at no cost. In the past, the volunteers have painted homes and built wheelchair ramps.
City leaders have organized the event for eight years.
"The repairs are great but more importantly is the spiritual mentoring that will go on during this time," said Richard Joyner, the City of Valdosta housing rehabilitation coordinator. "These kids are going to be with these homeowners for four and a half days and they are going to be like grandchildren to them and they're going to form bonds that will last years."
The annual Southern Hospitality Workcamp supports the city's goal to eliminate substandard housing by the year 2020.
