IMPROVING VACANT PROPERTIES AND LIVES
KYN's pot is the "Cordova Community Garden for Wildlife" which is located on a vacant lot across from the Harding Elementary School and Rayen Stadium campus on the north side of Youngstown. This project of a study on how "improving vacant properties, property crimes and intentional injuries" as youth and adults care for and re-purpose vacant lots.
Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. (YNDC) is a partner of Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center. Youngstown, OH, Flint, Michigan and Camden, NJ are cities in this study.
KYN's project has just begun and already we have drawn a neighbor out of his house. Previously, this new neighbor was a victim of three of four break-ins. His trust level was very low. He feared someone would break into his house if his car was not in the drive. Now instead of peaking out the window, he and his large dog often join us. Now he says, "I have friends, I have a family." He has brought bottled water for us to drink and solved our problem of how to water the garden.
Other community resources and many individuals are joining forces to empower youth. These youth will discover they can make a difference in their community. As stated on website: "Caring for vacant properties can have beneficial effects on the health and safety of residents."
To Learn more about the Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center