Since May of 2005, the Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. (NNN) has been working with a group of neighbors who are committed to addressing the persistent issues of crime, safety, and environment that affect the quality of life of all of the residents of the neighborhood. This group, the Nuisance Property Task Force was assembled by the NNN in response to a series of concerns voiced by residents of the area.

At the task force’s first meeting, members discussed priorities – determining that self-education was an immediate need. The task force wanted to know more about the city’s departments and services to find out if there were ways that working more collaboratively with the city could result in better quality of life for everyone. Over the next few months, the task force met with representatives from Section 8, the City of South Bend’s Code and Legal Departments, and the South Bend Police Department. The meetings were enlightening, making it clear that even the most educated citizen might not be aware of all of the services and opportunities available through the city.

It then became clear that part of creating change had to begin with the education of neighborhood residents, property owners, and landlords about what was required of homeowners within the city and the neighborhood. It was determined that such education was critical to the success of the task force. To that end, the task force has created several tools for educating neighborhood residents and stakeholders about the roles and responsibilities that each person plays in making the neighborhood a safe, friendly, and clean place to live, work, and play. Through a grant from the Neighborhood Resources Corporation, the task force has received funding to develop informational materials. The new campaign is called Neighborliness: Pass It On.

For a copy of the Good Neighbor's Handbook contact the NNN office or you can downoad a copy for free by clicking here.