Weed & Seed “Neighborhood Kokua Project” - Reclaiming our Streets through Community Involvement
Honolulu, HI – September 6, 2007 – On September 15, residents, businesses, and community groups from various Weed & Seed areas will ‘kokua’ their neighborhoods, covering the Ala Moana/Sheridan, Kalihi Valley, and ‘Ewa areas.
Weed & Seed, administered by the YMCA of Honolulu, is a Department of Justice initiative to rebuild and restore communities of high crime, low income, and community blight. “Weeding” is done through the federal, state, and city law enforcement entities collaborating to decrease crime and increase safety in the site. “Seeding” is done through residents, businesses, and service providers working together on community policing, restoration projects, and positive programming. Interested communities apply for this Weed & Seed certification. The Neighborhood Kokua Project supports the “seeding” efforts in our Weed & Seed communities, encouraging participation to address the blight issues in our streets.
September 15 will continue a multi-site effort to recruit individuals and groups to adopt a neighborhood restoration project that will continue for a minimum of two years. This will ensure that groups will be responsible for the up-keep of their community on an on-going basis. The Neighborhood Kokua Project promotes sustainable efforts as opposed to one-time community clean-ups that result in the area returning to its original state after time.
This project is intended to improve the physical appearance and safety of our neighborhoods. Community members get involved to make a positive difference, working in partnership with the police force. Areas where residents and community members take an active part of improving their neighborhood are safer and have less crime.
Many service related organizations and community groups will be involved in the multi-site project occurring on September 15. The City & County of Honolulu’s Adopt-a-Block Program is also a partner in this effort to keep our neighborhoods safe and clean.
Participants should call the area coordinator prior to the event to ensure there are enough supplies as well as work assignments for everyone. Participants who have garden gloves, brooms, and dustpans are encouraged to bring them.
Weed & Seed Neighborhood Kokua Kick-Off
Dates: Saturday, September 15, 2007
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon for the Kalihi project)
Location: Ala Moana/Sheridan, Kalihi Valley, ‘Ewa/’Ewa Beach
Event continues an effort of project adoption that will be sustained at least one more year (of a two-year commitment) in our Weed & Seed areas.
Contact the coordinator for the area you want to be involved with:
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Press Contact:
Susan Nakamura
Director of Marketing & Communications
YMCA of Honolulu
snakamura@ymcahonolulu.org808-541-5467
The YMCA of Honolulu
YMCA of Honolulu Metropolitan Office • 1441 Pali Highway Honolulu, HI 96813