Proudly Introducing the 15th Street Block Club

The AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project works to empower neighborhood groups to create real change in their own neighborhood and the 15th Street Block Club is an model group that AMUS has been working with over the Summer. AMUS would like to spotlight the hard work and dedication of this block club and it’s founder, Albert Crockett. They are a wonderful group of proactive Detroiters who have been holding neighborhood events and block club meetings since February of 2011. Crockett started the club after several of his neighbors, including himself, experienced home invasions. The former grocery store owner wanted to encourage his friends and neighbors to report break-ins and other crimes in order to increase safety in the neighborhood. His motto became, “If you see something, say something.” Today Crockett, along with ten other regular members, aim to increase safety not only  by reporting crime, but also  by cleaning up their neighborhood. For the past two years they have participated in The Motor City Makeover, an annual event where volunteers and community members step up to beautify Detroit.  In August, they will partner with ARISE! Detroit to help local children get their annual vaccinations and provide them with backpacks for the upcoming school year. Mr. Crockett said the residents of 15th Street could not be more thankful for the assistance AMUS has given them by helping to secure vacant houses, communicating with the local police, and attending meetings.  The program is proud to be considered an asset to a group whose aspirations align so perfectly with our own. They are truly inspiring and serve as an example to other neighborhood groups around them.