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MILWAUKEE - Clergy and community leaders are calling on banks to do something about their vacant and abandoned homes.

The group Common Ground says such homes hurt our neighborhoods.

The group wants the banks to either fix up foreclosed and abandoned homes or tear them down.

Members say these homes bring down neighborhoods and bring crime up.

"You broke it. Fix it," said Greater New Birth Church Pastor Willie Davis.

He, fellow pastors And community activists came together to fight for their neighborhoods.

They're want Deutsche Bank, US Bank and Wells Fargo to do something about foreclosed homes. They say the homes, empty and abandoned are more than just an eyesore.

"It's just opening the door for crime," said Davis. "It's opening it up for a lot of health hazards to come in."

Pastor Davis has been working to improve the neighborhood around his church at 22nd and Center on Milwaukee's north side.

"We're asking the banks that someone has to be held responsible for these homes. They've been sitting there for quite some time."

People living near the homes want something done.

"There are so many homes that are abandoned in the neighborhood," said Bessie Johnson, who lives near 22nd and Center.

"It's not good for the neighborhood. It doesn't make the neighborhood look good."

Neighbors complain drug dealers get into the foreclosed homes and commit crimes, and they worry their children are at risk. Vandals target the homes too.

The group says its a growing problem in Southeastern Wisconsin.

"It's just disgusting," said Timothy Payne, who also lives 22nd and Center. "You look across the street you can see through the windows. They've been burnt and people going in there doing whatever they do it just makes the neighborhood look bad."

Later this month, the group will launch a campaign in hopes that banks will listen.

US Bank says it's working with those in foreclosure and with common ground. Deutsch Bank tells us it's not part of the foreclosure process.