On June 15 2013, The
AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project, in partnership with the Henry Ford HealthSystems, Happy’s Pizza, Wayne County CLEAN Program and the Virginia Park Block
Club, kicked off the summer service series on Virginia Park Street. Together, volunteers
and service members not only boarded up four houses located on Virginia Park,
but also increased public safety in the
neighborhood by clearing a field adjacent to a children’s bus stop, and
replacing boards on a previously secured home.
One house was particularly dangerous. It was burnt out and being used as
a dumping site. It was evident that others were being entered, and that one was
probably used in order to make, sell and/or illicit illegal drugs. It is
a major goal of AmUS’ to assist in preventing crimes like that, and help make
Detroiters safer in their homes. We are proud to say that the event went
incredibly well!
Fifteen AmeriCorps service members were joined by over 25
community volunteers at the 9 AM for the official start of the event. We used
over 50 boards to successfully secure every opening on each of the four houses
by the end of the day. A group of neighborhood children even joined in the fun
by painting boards. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a lifelong appreciation
of and participation in community service for them.
As always, we want to thank everybody who participated. The
beautiful weather made it easier for our Summer Series Kick Off to happen
seamlessly. However, it was our sponsors who made it possible and the
involvement of the community that made this project so rewarding and important.
