LISC honors Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson and the Jackson Police Department
21 Apr 2010 - LISC, Habitat for Humanity
Contact:Susan Wolfe, Habitat |
For Immediate Release:April 21, 2010 |
JACKSON, MS (April 21, 2010)—Community leaders and law enforcement officials will be honored next Monday for their achievements in reducing crime and improving quality of life in Jackson neighborhoods as Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson and the Jackson Police Department will accept a national Community Safety Best-Practice Award.
The honor will be presented by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in a ceremony at the corner of Manship and North Lamar Streets at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, April 26th. Mayor Harvey Johnson, Police Chief Rebecca Coleman and Brad Davis, state director for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, will be on hand for the celebration.
Habitat and the Jackson Police Department have been long-time partners in a mission to create quality communities of choice throughout Jackson. In 2009, they embarked on a new effort to strategically integrate Habitat’s home-building and family service activities with targeted law enforcement and community organizing. Guidance from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national community development organization, and Department of Justice funding secured by Senator Cochran helped to advance the partners’ community safety goals.
“Partnering with community leaders is a critical element of the Jackson Police Department’s approach to crime reduction and prevention,” said Chief Coleman. “Our work with Habitat for Humanity represents results-oriented community policing at its best.”
Senator Cochran commented, “I commend the efforts you are making to help build safe and livable neighborhoods. The successful partnership that has developed among Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson, the Jackson Police Department, and their community partners, deserves to be rewarded with this public recognition."
Manship Street offers just one example of the partners’ achievements. Previously a trouble spot for drug activity and violence in Midtown, Manship Street is today a comparatively safe and quiet community. Starting in January, saturated enforcement provided by police created a secure environment in which Habitat could replace blighted lots and dilapidated buildings with quality affordable homes. Last month, more than 50 people toured the homes on a block where crime conditions previously deterred buyers. Five families have since moved in, and another is moving in soon. New and long-time residents are now working with Habitat’s Safety Coordinator and other local neighborhood organizations to maintain safety on the street and build an even greater sense of community.
“Having Habitat/Metro Jackson build on our street has given us a sense of pride. It means more to you when it’s yours,” said Barbara Stanton, who has lived on Manship Street for 14 years. “Now there’s less crime and people keep their properties up. We are proud to invite people into our community.”
“We are so proud of Manship Street’s transformation,” said Cindy Griffin, executive director of Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson. “Much thanks is due to the hard work and vision of our police and community partners. Having achieved so much here, on Parkview Place and in other parts of Jackson, we are excited to continue our work with the police at this level.”
Julia Ryan, director of the LISC Community Safety Initiative which has supported the Jackson projects, noted that the partners’ collaborative approach to crime problem-solving has been proven effective in many cities nationwide. “The Jackson team has adapted a proven strategy to their local issues and achieved tremendous results. LISC is pleased to be recognizing them with this award.”
About the Event:
Where: Corner of Manship and N. Lamar Streets, Jackson, MS 39202When: Monday, April 26, 2:00pm
What: Award presentation with short speaking program
About LISC:
LISC is the nation’s leading community development support organization, advancing community revitalization in more than 300 urban and rural communities nationwide. In Mississippi, LISC’s Mid South Delta program has provided grants, loans and equity financing to support the development of more than 2,300 homes and nearly 300,000 square feet of commercial and facilities space, representing more than $216 million in total investment. LISC’s Community Safety Initiative is a national program which promotes strategic alliances between community developers and police to make communities safer and more vibrant. More information about LISC can be found at www.lisc.org.About Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson:
Habitat for Humanity/ Metro Jackson is an ecumenical group of concerned Christians that believes everyone deserves a decent place to live. Working in partnership with low-income families and using volunteer labor and donated materials whenever possible, the organization is building basic, affordable houses that are then sold to families at cost with no profit or interest. A Habitat homeowner, with the help of family and friends, is required to invest “sweat equity” hours working on their and others’ homes. More information about Habitat can be found at www.habitatjackson.org.
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Article Type: Press Release