BATON ROUGE, LA (NBC33) — Ground was broken today on a project some say could help re-vitalize that part of Baton Rouge that is seeing all the crime.

Hope Ministries is expanding their facility on Winbourne Avenue, in the heart of the 70805 zip code.

The improvements include asbestos removal from their campus, and also new restroom facilities. The work was paid for through grants. Officials with hope say these improvements help build a sense of dignity in the troubled neighborhood.

"They take a lot of pride in this community and this will give them more of a partner in that pride,” Ruth Admal, Hope Ministries, said. “Our clients have great human wealth and love coming to a place that's beautiful. We're glad to be able to show renovations."

Hope Ministries says their mission is to develop individualized plans to help people get out of poverty.