The heart of a neighborhood
I moved into this apartment about 4 months ago. There are a few things about the area that are a little sketchy, but overall it's not too bad. There were a few nights where I could hear people really screaming at each other, sometimes people playing really loud music in their getto-mobiles, and my downstairs neighbor was handcuffed and put into the back of a police cuser about a month ago (but quietly without fuss). It's a place where we always keep things locked up, but I've never felt nervous or in danger. But I'm starting to wonder if this area is a little more sketchy than I let myself believe, and that since I'm not worried for my physical well being or safety that I see things in a less dramatic light.
I just came back from putting my monthly bills in my mailbox. On my way back I met a mother and her young son for the first time who had just moved to the area less than a month ago. Sadly the reason they approached me was not to make friends, but because their car had just been stollen, and their cell phone had just died so they couldn't call the husband/father, or the police. I brought them into our apartment and let them use our phone, while trying to offer as much help and emotional support as I could (I must admit to feeling a little stupid when I offered the 6 year old a glass of milk, but I thought it might help ease the stress of being in some stranger's home on unsual terms). I did most of my talking with the boy since his mother spoke limited english. But with my broken spanish and the boy as a translator we did quite well.
I hope they're going to be alright. I got the impression they were just scraping by to begin with. I offered them my help whenever they might need or want it. While I'll be more than glad to help in any way I can, I hope they don't need help and will be fine, and I hope to see them again on brighter terms.
I think single individuals living in a neighborhood can make a substantial difference to the feel, attitude, and safety of that neighborhood. I try to be someone who makes this place safer, cleaner, and more welcoming. I'm considering starting to practice martial arts out in the very visable grassy area to help this out (as well as make myself more centered and happy because of the practice). I hope I'm making a difference and that others feel they can as well.
I just came back from putting my monthly bills in my mailbox. On my way back I met a mother and her young son for the first time who had just moved to the area less than a month ago. Sadly the reason they approached me was not to make friends, but because their car had just been stollen, and their cell phone had just died so they couldn't call the husband/father, or the police. I brought them into our apartment and let them use our phone, while trying to offer as much help and emotional support as I could (I must admit to feeling a little stupid when I offered the 6 year old a glass of milk, but I thought it might help ease the stress of being in some stranger's home on unsual terms). I did most of my talking with the boy since his mother spoke limited english. But with my broken spanish and the boy as a translator we did quite well.
I hope they're going to be alright. I got the impression they were just scraping by to begin with. I offered them my help whenever they might need or want it. While I'll be more than glad to help in any way I can, I hope they don't need help and will be fine, and I hope to see them again on brighter terms.
I think single individuals living in a neighborhood can make a substantial difference to the feel, attitude, and safety of that neighborhood. I try to be someone who makes this place safer, cleaner, and more welcoming. I'm considering starting to practice martial arts out in the very visable grassy area to help this out (as well as make myself more centered and happy because of the practice). I hope I'm making a difference and that others feel they can as well.