WORDS FROM ADOPT-A-BLOCK COORDINATORS

Adopt-A-Block transforms neighborhoods
and community relationships!

"People have more regular opportunities to meet and greet on the block, as well as simple ways to pitch in."

"[Our block is] cleaner. People seem to take more pride in there homes."

"Out of persistence in passing out flowers to our neighbors [and] cleaning up my block, I see the neighbors taking more care of their yards, planting flowers and shrubbery. It's exciting to watch. Also, there is more participation in picking up trash on our block."

"This program has helped our block a lot in the past several years. We now know that we have a way to get rid of trash in our yards and alley each year. As our block is made up of mostly seniors, this way they have a few days to work at their own pace and clean up."

"I have seen cleaner alleys. A few [neighbors] have cleaned up weeds and overgrowth for the first time. I also see less litter. Folks love the new trees...I think it makes them feel better about our street."

"The residents of our community have become more involved in keeping their yards (front and back) and the areas in front of their homes litter free. This past year, many of the resident planted flowers of different colors/kinds to make the overall landscape look even more appealing."

"When I first took on the task of cleaning the block I thought it would be an impossible job ... There was trash every where, very high weeds and grass in most of the lots. And the curbs were a mess, so much so that when it rained the water could not get to the drain and would back up and flood the street ... I had little resources or moral support for this task. But then I learned of Adopt-A-Block through our community meeting and my life and my block have been getting better and better ever since."

"We had more that half of the neighbors on our block sign up to help us. I think when the neighbors that didn't sign up see the flowers they will see how it is win-win program. We keep our block clean and receive flowers as a bonus. I've seen more interaction between neighbors by walking up and down the street picking up the trash. The kids on the block helped out alot and it was great to see them learn at such an early age how they can make a difference."

"Well, [our block] is much cleaner because of more group efforts, and it provides a way to come together and get more people involved in being responsible for the appearance and upkeep of the neighborhood."

"Our block changed from trash all over the street to street getting clean up and empty field staying cut and clean for our children to play and not be in the streets. The cleanest houses have pulled lots of neighbors together to care about their property and community."

"Neighbors are becoming more aware of the subtle changes in the area and are beginning to take more pride in how their yards and streets look."

"I have more children helping me now."

"The biggest change noted were getting to know fellow neighbors. Overall the weed and trash removal improved the appearance."

"My block is totally different, I have had the chance to meet my neighbors and explain what I am trying to do. They were and continue to be very enthusiastic about the program and controlling the litter on our street."