Good Neighbor Walk in Barclay

The Barclay Youth Safe Haven hosted its third Good Neighbor Walk in Barclay last Friday evening. These walks show solidarity between the police and community members while addressing neighborhood problems. Participants notice neighborhood problems, point out improvements, and pick up trash along the way. This time, BYSH Director Shekita Wilkins (shown picking up trash, above) invited Baltimore Housing Permits & Code Enforcement Superintendent (NE District), Stan Janczak (left), to the walk. Community members pointed out particularly important code violations to him, as well as a few that would not be easily identified by inspectors, such an empty (but closed) building where tires have been dumped. The event ended with snacks and refreshments at the Telesis/GHCC Community Resident Services office at 308 E. 20th Street.

Among other properties, Janczak noted an empty corner store (above) at Brentwood and 24th, which is now only inhabited by cats. The floor has completely collapsed, making it a hazard to firefighters, as the red “X” on above the window signifies. Some alley lots, like the one below, quickly become filled with refuse when several people begin dumping there. If community action is quick, these trash problems can be solved while they are still small.

BYSH students, like the one at right, made sure that every participant signed the attendance sheet. About 15 people attended, and the event was a large success.

Great job BYSH and Barclay!

The Barclay Youth Safe Haven will be hosting its annual summer youth program July 2nd. Parents of children at Dallas Nicholas who want their children to attend should contact Shekita Wilkins immediately at (410) 916.2540 or swilkins@greaterhomewoood.org.

On July 7th, Barclay Youth Safe Haven will also be hosting children’s games and events at the Dallas Nicholas Elementary field at 2pm. Later that evening, BYSH will show its annual outdoor (and family-friendly) movie at that same field at 8:30pm. The games and the movie take place before and after the Barclay/Midway/Old Goucher (BMOG) Coalition summer meeting and BBQ. Bring your appetites and learn about how you can become involved in the neighborhood redevelopment!

Contact Shekita if you would like to attend the July Good Neighbor Walk. Time and date for this next walk is To-Be-Announced.