Indianapolis, IN
Mike Epps working to “Buy Back the Block” he grew up on
INDIANAPOLIS– A famous comedian from Indianapolis is revitalizing his neighborhood.
“I’ve seen the neighborhood go through a couple of different changes from the time I was born until 53,” Mike Epps told WRTV on Tuesday.
For more than a year Mike Epps has been working to clean up his near north side community. That is the Kennedy King neighborhood near 21st Street and Carrollton Avenue.
WRTV
“Everything I’m trying to do is inspire – the next generation – give them information and letting them know,” Epps added.
The revitalization is a part of new show on HGTV called Buying Back the Block. The show is set to air on Wednesday morning.
WRTV
In the show Epps and his wife update each house, adding modern amenities and keeping the original charm, to create affordable and beautiful places for families to buy or rent.
Driven by his passionate vision, Mike will be hands-on as he oversees the projects, including the overhaul of his grandmother’s house, alongside his expert construction team.
“It’s all about community – land and – it’s all about building legacy for your family and your neighborhood,” Epps added.
WRTV
On Tuesday, Epps was honored at a McDonald’s in Indianapolis. He was a McDonald’s crew member in Indianapolis. It was his first job while he was in high school. The honoring was a part of McDonald’s 1 in 8 campaign. It focuses on the statistic that 1 in 8 Americans has been employed by McDonald’s at some point in their lives.
“It’s about legacy and family,” Epps concluded.
“We face a pivotal moment right now in our city as the cost of housing has been skyrocketing, and out-of-state investors are buying homes leading to the displacement gentrification of our neighborhoods. We are grateful to have Mike Epps back in our city investing in and giving back to the neighborhood he grew up in. He is compassionate and dedicated to making a positive impact in our community, and we are lucky to call him a Hoosier.”
Council Vice President Zach Adamson