Hands Around First Street Neighborhood Walk

Jun 23rd, 2009

Ms. Games is well known on her block and the surrounding areas. She and her neighbors have been through a lot; but they have gained a real foothold and are not about to give it up. In fact, they are taking additional steps to improve not only their block but the surrounding areas. These steps led to a great neighborhood walk on the hottest day yet this summer.

Working closely with area block captains, the Harambee Great Neighborhoods Initiative, law enforcement, elected officials and City services, not to mention Al Hegwood of Safe & Sound, the Hands Around First Street members have continuously strived to work together to resolve neighborhood problems. Al has watched these residents endure years of violent gang activity and drug dealing but continue to persevere. Much can be attributed to the groups support networks that have developed over the years. For example, Mr. Hughes from 15th & Burleigh joined the walk and offered stories of he and his neighbors struggles to keep their block safe over the decades.

These days Ms. Games and her neighbors keep and eye on the block by encouraging people to pick up loose garbage and make sure their grass is mowed. The group also encourages residents to keep in close contact with police when as problems surface. And it’s not over yet. Just after the walk, squads surrounded a house around the corner and made several arrests; but the difference is apparent as residents voiced support over the police response to what some of them considered a criminal nuisance property. For Al, it is all very fulfilling to see something as positive as a neighborhood walk with such great participation and energy to bring about change.