By Emily Peters-Limbeck

Northwest Neighborhood Federation

Chicago, IL

Frustrated by gang intimidation, graffiti, and increasing burglaries, Northwest Neighborhood Federation (NNF) community members refused to remain passive on the issue of neighborhood safety.

“Recently our house was burglarized in broad daylight, our neighbor’s car and garage was burglarized at night, and in the evening my daughter confronted a stranger climbing over our fence in my backyard,” said NNF leader, Jose Delgado. “This has to stop!”
In the past month, the NNF held three public community meetings to demand action from local officials and change on the streets.

“This past fall my son was shot by gang members, and right down the block at Steinmetz School a child was shot and killed,” said leader Theodore Gomez.

On March 18, 60 Northwest Neighborhood Federation community members held a meeting with the 25th District Police Commander to demand more police protection and response in their community.
The neighborhood’s outrage was loud and clear, and their list of five demands was met. NNF members won two patrol cars around Steinmetz School before and after classes, foot patrols around the school at night and weekends, bike patrols on several adjacent blocks, and an alternative phone number to 911 in order to reach the police directly.

Another group of 50 residents in an adjacent area had a meeting with the police sergeant, local Alderman and the Department of Buildings the following week to address their outrage at the regular gunshots, gang activity, and drug dealing on and around their block.

Last summer, a young girl was murdered in the area and another teenage boy was killed at the neighborhood park. Neighbors knew that they had to join together early this summer to thwart future tragedies.

“Last summer was horrific. This summer we will not have more deaths in our neighborhood,” said NNF leader Carol Kolen. “That is why we are acting now. We hope to work with the police so the shootings end now.”

The meeting proved to be very successful. Within two weeks, residents no longer hear gunfire, they feel safe to walk down their street and allow their children to play outside.

“Now, we regularly see police coming down our street in both car and bikes,” explained resident, Juanita Almon. “The police gang and tactical units have been assigned to a problematic house that we believe was causing much of the gang activity.”

Though very pleased with the results of their effort, community leaders held a follow-up meeting with the police commander to ensure that police vigilance would continue.

Following the meeting, 40 residents gathered on the corner to watch 25 police officers change their shift, and restate their commitment to working in the neighborhood.

“It was great to share coffee and cookies with the whole block, the police, and the alderman,” said leader Teresa Cabrales. “I feel like we’ve really made a change on our block.”