SOUTH BEND — It’s not just city and county employees helping the flood cleanup process in Michiana. An unlikely group has joined the cause — inmates from Westville Correctional Facility.

The group has been in South Bend since Monday, Aug. 22. They have cleared debris and helped out some of the worst hit homes.

It’s a way to get them out in the community, and a way to speed up the cleanup process.

The Emergency Management of St. Joseph County Deputy Director Kalee Ziots says the help is much needed.

“We come out here in the morning and we give them directions on what tasks need completed,” said Ziots. “Something that would’ve taken crews a long time to complete, they have it done in maybe an hour, so they’ve been absolutely fantastic.”

The inmates have cleaned up most of Jewell Woods, one of the worst hit neighborhoods. A neighbor there said they have been some of the hardest workers he has seen.

Source: WSBT