DURANT, OKLAHOMA -- Two hundred sixty eight teens from six different states, from as far north as Wisconsin, are in Durant and are ready to get to work.

"Painting and wheelchair ramps and porches and things like that for people in need," Hope for Homes coordinator Dena Sherrill said.

Their mission is to repair 39 homes in Bryan County. The homeowners are either disabled, elderly, low-income or veterans.

"A lot of times it'll revitalize a neighborhood to have somebody come in from out of state to help out," Jobe Lewis said.

The week-long faith-based project is head up by R-E-I Oklahoma, Big Five Community Services, Group Mission Trips and the Durant community.

Participants say although the work is to help someone else, they get a lot out of it.

"To be able to come here and serve the community, it just gives you a feeling of accomplishment," participant Laken Alley said.

This home repair mission happens in a different town each year.

Laken has been a part of the program for six years. He says one of the best things about the event is getting to connect with new communities.

"New people... New experiences," Alley said.

"It kind of brings together so many different churches and these kids bond that way and they'll make friends that they have a lifetime," participant Shari Telleen said.

Starting Monday, the group will be out working on houses from eight to three each day this week.