Hewitt Avenue Safety Campaign

On Monday, July 15th, over 70 residents of Hewitt Avenue, including Westchester West, and surrounding areas met with police and county officials to address growing problems around safety and alarming increase of young people using substances in their neighborhood.

AIM coordinated this community meeting with Aspen Hill Christian Church. Residents, Hewitt Avenue property managers, local business owners, and members of local congregations expressed to the Police and Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez the severity of this situation and the need to act. Identity, Street Outreach Network, and the Latino Economic Development Center were also present. 

Lucia Vasquez, leader of AIM’s team at Westchester West, spoke to the crowd:

“This is a safety problem, but also a social and public health problem. This problem is a result of a lack of dignified, affordable housing, job opportunities, healthy activities for children and youth, and police presence in our community… We want a profound and permanent solution to this complex problem. We want a change and we are ready to work together to achieve it.”

AIM community leaders asked the officials in attendance to commit to addressing these issues with a holistic approach. 

• We asked the police chief to respond more quickly when residents report crimes and to increase patrolling. 

• We asked Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez to increase the number of sports programs and community centers where youth can access healthy and enriching activities. 

• We asked the Department of Health and Human Services to expand mental health programs, including family therapies. 

We will continue to follow up with these groups until a solution is reached so families on Hewitt Avenue can live in a safe environment.