When the going gets tough, Selma volunteers get going.

Joyce Kendrick, executive director of the Jonathan Daniels Community Development Center, spoke to the Selma City Council at its Monday meeting about Selma Group Work Camps, a citywide initiative that would assign area volunteers to homes in need of repair.

Last year a Colorado-based group work camps program brought about 200 volunteers to Selma to perform Christian service and repair homes, Kendrick said. The group wanted to return to Selma this summer, but due to a lack of funds several of its Southern camps were cancelled, including Selma’s.

If enacted, the project would enable about 150 volunteers to perform repairs on 25 homes. Kendrick said volunteers would be between 15 and 18 years old. &uot;This will give them a chance to perform their community service hours for graduation,&uot; Kendrick said.

Homes wouldn’t be completely restored, Kendrick said. Instead, volunteers would make meaningful repairs through painting and carpentry work. &uot;We’ve already received many applications and have a waiting list,&uot; Kendrick said.

Potential recipients of the program would be chosen based on their age and income.

The program doesn’t come free. According to Mayor James Perkins Jr., it would cost the city about $16,800. Kendrick said the money is needed for materials and supervisors. Professional contractors would oversee volunteer work, though some may require a stipend, Kendrick said.

The council didn’t make a decision on the project Monday night.