Grassroots effort weeding crime out of Allendale

KTAL News

These days, the Allendale neighborhood has the feel of a brand new subdivision with brand new homes being built every day, but not long ago, the feeling was quite different. In the forgotten part of town, crime was a constant - prostitution, drive-by shootings, and drugs were a mainstay. Then, a group called "Community Renewal" came in to make a difference.

Jewel Mariner, who runs Friendship House, explained that what made it work was getting the residents involved. "There's a difference between let's go in and change, and let's go in together and let's make a difference. And that's what is happening. Get to know the neighbors. Get to know the people. And find out what they want."

The residents wanted to get rid of the drugs, crime, prostitution, and gang violence. Actions were taken, and construction began. Families and homeowners began to move in, and the Allendale of the past was replaced with the Allendale of today.

Click here to read the entire story and watch the news video.