MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Many say there’s no question there’s a gang problem in Memphis, but at least one pastor thinks something as simple a neighborhood teen center could help turn kids around.

Larry Hunter, director of Sober House Homeless Mission, wants to open a teen center on Randle Street in North Memphis.

Someone donated a house, volunteers have started some of the renovation work, and now he just needs money to finish the job.

“This has been holding us up for eight months. The problem is it doesn’t take much to fix it up,” Hunter said.

Hunter says the teen center will be open seven days a week and run by volunteers.

He says it will give teens a safe place to come for counseling, support, entertainment, and inspiration.

“It’s more than just a hangout place. We are going to have police come in and talk to the kids about how they can become a police officer.  I’ve got a friend whose a doctor he says he’s willing to come in and talk about how he became a doctor,” Hunter said.

He says if kids have a safe place to turn for help, they will turn away from gangs.

“If it can change one person, he can go back and reach the ones I never could reach, and that’s what it’s all about,” Hunter.

If you can help with the project, call (901) 481-2860.