14th Street CARES: Citizens Advocating for Residential Empowerment & Sustainability
14th Street CARES Block Watch was one of many successful block watches Safe & Sound worked with in 2011. Residents living in the vicinity of 14th Street, from Burleigh to Concordia lying within the Borchert Field area, make up the 14th Street CARES which stands for Citizens Advocating for Residential Empowerment & Sustainability.
14th Street CARES block watch members along with assistance from Talibah Mateen, Safe & Sound Community Partner Organizer, have developed guidelines for neighborhood standards that they feel assist them in creating a healthy neighborhood. A healthy neighborhood is where families can sit on their front porch and children are able to play on the sidewalk. Additionally, the group came up with a “Welcome Wagon” concept for making contact with new families on the block. The Welcome Wagon introduces new families to the neighborhood through a welcome basket with treats and resource information. The neighborhood standards and resources are explained as well. The basket is delivered by a few officers who are assigned to the area along with Mateen and the block watch captain. Together they welcome new families and encourage them to participate in the block watch.
Not all of the new residents are happy to meet the group at their front door. Not all new residents on the block are immediately concerned about improving the quality of life on the block either. For example, a new family who had recently moved to the block was continually verbally abusive with their children in public. Mateen and other residents decided to speak with the mother and let her know others were there for her but would not tolerate the behavior that violated their neighborhood standards. Another new family allowed their pit bull to run wild. The group talked with the dogs owner about the responsibilities of owning a pit bull but the problems continued. Another family decided to allow their dog to poop in people’s yards while out for a walk. Again, residents talked with the pet owner a number of times with no response. Officers assigned to area even visited the resident’s home and explained that next time she would receive a ticket. While some families chose to adapt to the neighborhood standards, others chose to move.
Some of the problems in the neighborhood were much more serious. Drug and prostitution activity had moved in at one property; definitely not within the neighborhood standards! Residents of the block watch met with officers and explained their concerns about the property where the activity was emanating from. The officers paid a visit and once inside they found evidence of the complaints as well as numerous items from burglarized homes. Several people were evicted and others were arrested as a result of the action.
A stronger community has come about because of the 14th Street CARES, unfortunately one of the most committed and long standing members of the block watch passed away in August of 2011. Mr. John Hughes (pictured) became Block Captain in 1987 and was active and devoted to the neighborhood and the City. His wisdom and caring were the driving force for residents in the surrounding area. He was a leader and an inspiration and he will be greatly missed.
As the 14th Street CARES looks to the future many things are possible. The group has developed a very positive relationship with the Metropolitan Church with monthly block watch and planning meetings held there. Additional planning is underway for 2012 with Gracelynn Wilson and Paula Butler, both from the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation. All are working together to secure Target Investment Neighborhood funding designation. And of course, the group plans to continue the Welcome Wagon concept. One thing is for sure… 2012 is going to be a bright and active year for 14th Street CARES.
