Applications now being accepted for Alert Neighbor Program

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II are inviting neighborhood block groups to apply for the Alert Neighbor Program by Friday, August 5.

The City of Milwaukee’s Alert Neighbor Program emphasizes community involvement in addressing crime and safety concerns in Milwaukee neighborhoods. The program is collaboration between the Milwaukee Police Department, Department of City Development, Department of Neighborhood Services, the Community Prosecution Unit and area non-profit organizations to help reduce crime and keep Milwaukee neighborhoods safe. The Alert Neighbor Program provides funding for physical improvements in the neighborhood that can range from crime watch signs, to porch lighting, cameras and more around the community in addition to assisting neighborhood block clubs to identify and implement strategies, like reporting criminal activity, holding regular neighborhood meetings, and planning neighborhood improvement projects.

“The initial group of block clubs that the Alert Neighbor Program supported found the program immensely valuable, and I am glad we will soon be able to assist a second cohort with the goal of increasing the participation in everyday neighborhood communication, safety and engagement,” said Alderwoman Coggs.

Alderman Stamper shares the sentiment. “This program is a positive step toward increasing safety block by block in our neighborhoods. When we piloted this program we received an enormous amount of applications, so for all those interested in participating in this cohort I would encourage you to apply as soon as possible,” he said.

Neighborhood block clubs with at least eight members from different households may apply to the Alert Neighbor Program. Applications will be evaluated based on safety issues in the neighborhood, the number of residents in the block club and the club’s commitment to neighborhood improvement and engagement. The selected block clubs are required to contribute 5% of the overall cost for physical safety improvements in their neighborhood or contribute $20 per resident in the block club, whichever is less.

Additional program guidelines, eligibility and application instructions can be found by visiting https://city.milwaukee.gov/AlertNeighbor. For additional information please contact City of Milwaukee Community Outreach Director Patricia Ruiz-Cantu at 414-708-2734.

Organizations and individuals can make tax-deductible donations to support the Alert Neighbor Program.  To learn more about the donation process or for more information please call 414-286-2233 or send an email to tmacdo@milwaukee.gov.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.