Neighbors United For Change

Neighbors United For Change

History of Neighbors United For Change

Several months ago, Reginald Cook and myself, Stanley Purnell decided to sit down and discuss different things we could do to improve our block, neighborhood and various surrounding areas.

Our first step was to have someone serve as block captain, and to proceed in cleaning up our block and streets of the trash and drugs. We also needed to do something about the crimes committed in the neighborhood.

2-Step. We contacted the People that could help get us started

We contacted The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee, City Councilwoman President Anna C. Verna, Mr. Arthur Potts of Philadelphia Operations Town Watch, Officer D. Nesmith, 17th. District Police Dept. Community Relations Officer. for their help in assisting us in our program to improve the appearance of our neighborhood and to set up some type of crime prevention.

Future Meetings Planned

We have been quite successful with our efforts. We have set up meetings and have had very good attendance. Future meeting planned.

It's amazing how we had other blocks wanting to take part and participate in our program. As good neighbors united we stand, neighbors divided we fall. We all must live for and by one another.

About our association

Block Meetings

Block Meetings are held every 4th Friday of every month at 7'oclock p.m. Our first meeting on June 25, 2004, was very successful with 6 neighbors in attendance. The name chosen for the 1400 block of 31st. Street, told to the members at that time would be, "Neighbors United For Change."

We discussed the 4th of July block party and were told that LaShay Wilson and Danara Cook,
two young ladies from our block, asked if they could be our decorating committee. They will decorate our block for the holiday with streamers and baloons. The block is scheduled to be closed from 8:00a.m. to 8:30p.m.

Other issues discussed were regarding The Block Beautiful Committee and their officer, Mr. Bill Stern and their efforts concerning the demolishment of the abandoned buildings in the area that will soon be taking place. Also, we discussed how the police presence has been high in our community due to the violence lately of neighborhood children setting fires.

One of our neighbors, brought up the question to our Block Captain as to whether or not the city will send someone, to come out in the near future to access our property values after all of the changes take place. Mr. Purnell said that he would mention that to the proper authorities and update the neighbors as soon as he knows something.

We were told by Mr. Purnell that Mr. Stern was quite pleased with how our neighbors got out and together cleaned up our block for our last street cleanup. This showed unity and we impressed those higher up. We took pictures with buddy the recyling can and hats and gifts were given out to the children and adults of the block who participated. Mayor Street even came by that day and asked to see Stanley's Certificate from the Block Beautiful Committee.

There is a Neighborhood Watch date of July 8, 2004 at 1408 S. 31st. Street set. City and Government Officers will be at the meeting to discuss setting up a Neighborhood Town Watch to offer training for patrolling our streets. Mr. Purnell has given the surrounding neighborhood block captains flyers asking them to invite men and or women to the meeting.

New Association Officers

Our Officers are as Follows:

Mr. Stanley Purnell, Block Captain
Mr. Reginald Cook, Co-Block Captain
Mrs. Cynthia Purnell, Secretary
Mrs. Renee Cook, Treasurer

Dues

Dues will be needed in order to raise monies for our organization to, buy supplies needed to add to the beautification of our block. Items such as security lights cost money and this is one way we can purchase them along with bake sales and other fund raisers.

All clubs and organizations collect dues and so will we be, obligated to do so as, we are an organized group.

Dues have been set at $5.00 per household. They will be collected at the monthly block meetings
held at 1408 S. 31st.

Refreshments were donated by the manager of Rite Aid at 30th and Reed St. for our nights first block meeting. When asked why our block captain was buying so many snacks, she was told that they were for the nights block meeting and, he was given them for free. This was greatly appreciated by all who attended and we thank her for the support.