Taking a look at public safety in our community
At the end of 2019, Beyond Housing received a BJA Community Based Crime Reduction Byrne grant in the amount of $621, 863. This grant’s project period began on October 1, 2020 and concludes on September 30, 2023.
BYRNE GRANT GOALS
They did a year and a half of community engagement & crime data analysis to identify community safety priorities and came up with the following.
- Address signs of physical disorder, especially vacant and abandoned properties in focus areas/hotspots in order to directly address property crimes and deny spaces where other kinds of crimes occur.
- Increase guardianship of public spaces using technology and by providing welcoming spaces for people to interact and build social connections
- Build resident capacity to engage in problem solving and collaborate with the police to address issues that are important to the community.
There are a number of projects being carried out under each goal in collaboration with or by community organizations and partners. Including…
Cleaning and greening of vacant lots, including Isabella Park
Clearing title to prep property for redevelopment on approximately 20 vacant parcels
Community clean ups
An anti-littering campaign
20 Ring cameras being distributed to community members
Cleaning and greening of vacant lots, including Isabella Park
Clearing title to prep property for redevelopment on approximately 20 vacant parcels
Community clean ups
An anti-littering campaign
20 Ring cameras being distributed to community members
Mercy caritas
Under the DOJ Grant, one of the community priorities is to build
resident capacity and collaboration with the police.
As part of that goal, there is a priority to increase awareness and referrals to the Saint Louis County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program, which allows law enforcement to refer individuals they encounter to the LEAD program for substance use, mental health, and other wrap-around supports, as an alternative to arrest.
EDZ GRant
The Economic Distress Zone grant provides funds from the state of Missouri to non-profits working in economically distressed municipalities experiencing high incidents of crime to address public safety. BH was awarded funding for public safety projects in the City of Pagedale including
$65,000
for cameras
$20,000
in lighting
$60,837
for a 3D crime scene camera for the North County Police Cooperative
$8,000
for car theft deterrent devices for distribution to residents