Shalom in the City: Bringing Together Churches in South LA for Safety. "Shalom in the City" brings together institutions that previously had not been in conversation with one another and then connects those institutions to the neighborhoods in which they are imbedded. Through neighborhood walks, congregants from Bryant Temple AME and surrounding churches have begun a series of conversations with neighbors about the deepest concerns residents have regarding their communities. Through these conversations, community members and congregants have begun a series of meetings with local law enforcement to address problem areas, build trust and weave together the relationships required to create a safe community.
Improving Lighting in Pomona: In 2006 the Pomona Valley Cluster of One LA - IAF, a diverse collective of Protestant, Catholic and African Methodist churches, brought together more than 500 leaders to discuss with city officials the need for improved lighting in the poorest sections of the city in order to combat criminal activity. Three city council members committed to increasing spending by more than 100%, leading to improved lighting through the low-income areas of the city.
Increasing Responsiveness in the Mid-City: Through joint house meetings with the police and parish assemblies, leaders at St. Paul's, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas the Apostle and Precious Blood have won increased patrols around schools, protecting students from gang violence on their way home after school. Parish leaders have demanded the attention of the police, meeting regularly with Wilshire Division's Senior Lead Officers to report "hot spots" of gang and drug activity.