CLEVELAND -- The foreclosure crisis is threatening to destroy cities, but there is now some hope of getting some help locally to curb the problem.

Boarded up, bank-owned homes are plaguing Cleveland neighborhoods. Values are down, crime is up and even the tax base for schools has taken a hit.

In an effort to help relieve the crisis, Rep. Dennis Kucinich and state, county and local leaders announced a $14 billion plan to buy vacant homes.

Kucinich, who had a key role in the plan, said it's one of the most important issues facing us.

"We're fighting to save our cities. We're fighting to save our neighborhoods. And this is a fight we can't lose," Kucinich said.

The plan still needs to get through the Senate, and President George W. Bush is threatening a veto.