Group Transforms Illegally Dumped Tires Into 'Detroit Treads' Sandals

DETROIT (WWJ) - It's a locally made flip-flop for those "tired" of the same old style.

Reverend Faith Fowler is with Cass Community Social Services, where dozens of hard workers are making "Detroit Treads" sandals from illegally dumped tires found around the city.

"I've been wearing them all day and they're quite comfortable," Fowler told WWJ's Vickie Thomas. "We've picked up 35,000 tires so far and there's probably, oh, another gazillion to pick up."

Fowler said it's not just about cleaning up the city, but about providing much-needed jobs for the community.

"We've added an Old English 'D' to them and we're using homeless veterans to do the saw work and that kind of thing, and then the [at-risk] youth assemble them. Both populations need some good jobs and the sandals will provide them," she said.

Each pair of Detroit Treads costs $25. To order a pair, call Cass Community Social Services at 313-883-2277.