Shelby High senior Chris Carter is looking to the past to create a better future for one inner-city neighborhood.

Carter, a member of Boy Scout Troop 100, has chosen three historic houses to clean up and fix up to earn his Eagle Scout honors.  

The quaint houses in the 200 block of McBrayer Street are owned by Hooper's Chapel Baptist Church, which bought the properties to upgrade them and improve the neighborhood, part of the West Warren Street National Historic District.

The church then turned to the community for help -- and that's where Carter stepped in.

The next clean-up date is Saturday, Feb. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon.

"This project is going to help the neighborhood and the entire community," said Shelby Mayor Ted Alexander, who serves as Southwest District director for Preservation North Carolina, which is also supporting the effort to save the houses. Carter invites everyone who cares about the future of downtown Shelby to pitch in.

"The more people the better," Carter said. So far, among those who have signed up to work are members of Troop 100, Hooper's Chapel Church, and Historic Shelby.

Chores will include removing trash, brush and leaves, removal of unwanted materials from inside the home, including non-original cabinets and a water heater.

Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, clippers, rakes, hammers or other small tools. Donations of drinks and refreshments for the volunteers would also be welcomed.

In case of inclement weather, the work day will be rescheduled. Check PreservationNC.org/SWAT for more information or to sign up.