CARING CORCORAN NEIGHBORS (For Reference Only -- No Longer an Active Committee)

Formed in 2005 in response to growing concerns about neighborhood prostitution and its related ills, these residents work to eliminate crime, increase safety, and foster a greater sense of 'neighborliness' and cohesive community. Committee members take action on their own streets, partner with and learn from other safety and livability agencies, and pursue policy change where brokenness is identified.

Since its inception, CCN has been recognized by City Council Member Gary Schiff at his 2005 Ninth Ward awards event, founding member Sara Blanch was named '2005 Volunteer of the Year' by Corcoran Neighborhood Organization, and the group's efforts have been covered by local publications such as Pulse of the Twin Cities, The Rake, and Southside Pride.

Committee members:

·         Educated neighbors about the social ills that accompany prostitution, including the victimization of woman and families, chemical dependency, and physical violence.

·         Empowered neighbors to address nuisance behavior and problem properties through Block Club activities, appropriate engagement of 911 and the City, and partnership with the neighborhood organization and law enforcement.

·         Worked with the Third Precinct's Crime Prevention Specialist, Community Response Team and Directive Patrol Officers, Sector Lieutenant, and Precinct Commander to address systemic issues, specific problem addresses, and chronic offenders.

·        Learned from and partner with other agencies committed to eliminating crime and prostitution, including Volunteers of America, Midtown Restorative Justice, PRIDE, and local Neighborhood Weed and Seed Initiatives.

·         Fostered a greater sense of 'neighborliness' and community pride amongst residents through individual and group action, neighborhood meetings and events, outreach, and walking patrols.