DETROIT – A group of committed community members is working to make a difference on Detroit’s east side.
Members of 4820Live said they want to change the negative perceptions of their community and make it a better and safer place to live.
“It’s changing that perception,” said Sandra Turner-Handy, with 4820Live and Denby Neighborhood Association.
4820Live is a community violence intervention group. It’s working proactively with the city of Detroit to help crack down on violent crime.
Members of the group describe themselves as boots on the ground. They promote peace, work with neighbors and police, and are actively involved in neighborhood patrols.
“This is neighbors coming together, and we’re riding in neighborhoods and just being the eyes and ears, those extra eyes and ears for the police,” said George Preston, a former Detroit police officer and 4820Live supporter. “We’re not getting involved with anything. We just observe and report.”
Some people focus on crime, but this group said it focuses on proactive community engagement. It often hosts pop-up events for neighbors.
“It’s the first week of summer; we have teams out right now removing that blight and working with our neighbors to clean up the neighborhood,” said Amy Fanta.
The group also helps promote and set up block clubs.
“Every week, it’s like two or three block clubs being set up in our community,” Handy said. “Which is awesome.”
Members of 4820Live are also busy going door-to-door, connecting individuals and families with critical resources.
“There really is a need for food supplies,” said Michelle Goss. “There’s a need for housing. I mean, that’s huge. And I think a lot of times when people don’t have, it gives them this air of disparity. And it makes you feel like you’re not going to get any better, so why even try?”
Despite the group’s intentional work, the volume of recent shootings in the city of Detroit, as summer approaches, does have members of 4820Live concerned.
“When our kids hear gunshots, they don’t duck,” Handy said. “They don’t hit the floor. It’s normal to them to hear this. And we know, as adults, that’s not normal for kids to become immune to hearing gunshots.”
4820Live said it wants to get neighbors so committed and invested that they are empowered to speak up and work together to help keep communities safe.
For more information about 4820Live, its programs, and volunteer opportunities, call 313-217-0910.