Health & Safety
The overall health and well-being of a community is impacted by blight, lack of recreational space or activities, and gang violence. Residents working to plan The Village identified these as issues and formed networks to attract people and resources to address them. Their work is focused on five areas: Chollas Creek Restoration, Walk to the Moon, Safe Neighborhoods Project, Project Safe Way, Coming Home to Stay
Chollas Creek Restoration
Restoring a blighted wetlands area made an early impact on the health and safety of the community. A long-neglected, toxic creek bed was full of trash and swift currents during rain storms posed a hazard. More than 2,000 ft. of Chollas Creek is now a beautiful natural setting. The banks of the creek provide seating for the outdoor amphitheater with a floating stage set into the creek. At a nearby tributary, installation of walking paths, riprap (rocks that protect the shoreline from erosion), native vegetation, and a soil creek bottom transformed a community eyesore into a beautiful recreational area.
Walk to the Moon
Resident plans for The Village include the installation of more walking trails, recreational spaces for youth and families, and pedestrian-friendly connections between homes, businesses, and community resources. One of our partners, the Coalition of Neighborhood Councils, encourages residents to explore their community with the “Walk to the Moon” campaign. The goal is walking 240,000 miles collectively.
Safe Neighborhoods Project
The Safe Neighborhoods Project was designed by leaders from several grassroots gang-prevention organizations, civic and cultural leaders, educators, and former gang members partnering with JCNI to provide young people alternatives to gang involvement.
Project Safe Way
Born from the Safe Neighborhoods Project, Project Safe Way is an innovative program helping kids get to and from school safely. Staffed by volunteers stationed at key corners and corridors in the community before and after school, Project Safe Way works in partnership with the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Gang Commission, the City of San Diego Fourth District Council Office, four youth service programs, and staff from 11 area schools. Local business people observe and report the unsafe activities along the routes.
Coming Home to Stay
Coming Home to Stay, prisoner re-entry program, seeks to reduce the 74% recidivism rate among ex-offenders by connecting them to a comprehensive, supportive network of community-based services and providers. The pilot project addresses a spectrum of needs identified during a listening and planning phase: assessment and life planning, education and training for employment, health and medical support, family relationships, legal and vital documents, and housing and finance. Support is provided to program participants over a three-year period.
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