The local homes chosen all passed a “rigorous report card” and all got high scores, Ms. Bennett said.

“We just work hard to try to make things right in our neighborhood,” said Macielen Tanner, who was recognized for her home at 425 Oakland Ave., Sharon.

Since she began taking meticulous care of her home, Ms. Tanner said the two homes beside her’s have been renovated and also taken heed.

Working together to create a better community is the only way to improve the area for future generations, committee member Berry Holloway said.

“We need to take our streets back and our cities back,” he said. “To do that, we need to become one.

“We truly need a village to raise these children.”

“There’s hope regardless of where you’re (living) at,” Harrison added. The group plans to again honor homes in 2009, he said.

Properties can be nominated year round at http://www.farrellsharon.mypom.org.