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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNeighborhood Cleanup MJ 3 22 17 Organizing a Neighborhood Cleanup Department of Code Enforcement City of South Bend Improving Our Quality of Life by Engaging Our Residents and Neighborhoods  Do not go onto private property! We can only clean public areas such as: alleys, sidewalks, streets, and tree lawns. We can also clean vacant lots or yards of vacant houses.  Work in pairs or groups.  Always wear gloves.  Wear proper shoes (i.e. no open-toed shoes, flip-flops, etc.).  Place litter and trash in BLACK BAGS ONLY.  Don’t make bags too heavy to lift. If you need help lifting something, ask someone for help.  Broken glass should be placed in cardboard boxes so bags don’t break.  Don’t pick up any needles / drug paraphernalia,  Do not touch any knives, guns, or weapons you find! Immediately notify one of the leaders so police may be called.  Be aware of your surroundings! Code Enforcement Provides: 1. Heavy Duty Trash Bags 2. Latex and/or Canvas Gloves 3. Dumpsters, Dump Trucks, Loaders (as needed) 4. Assistance with Planning Event 5. Leadership and Support During Event Considering organizing a neighborhood cleanup? Consider this: Litter and debris have a negative effect on everyone. It...  Reduces Property Values  Increases Risk of Crime  Increases Risk of Wildlife / Rodent Infestation  Increases Unlawful/ Uncontrolled Dumping  Reduces Neighborhood Pride Neighborhood cleanups positively impact neighborhoods. They…  Promote Volunteerism (great opportunity for students)  Form Relationships among Neighbors  Increase Curb Appeal  Promote Ownership in both Homes and Neighborhoods  Strengthen Relationships with Neighborhood Associations Rev. 3.22.17 MJ Contact Us! Code Enforcement 13th Floor County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, IN 46601 574-235-9486 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM Website: https://www.southbendin.gov/ A neighborhood cleanup is a coordinated effort between Code Enforcement, the Neighborhood Enforcement Action Team (NEAT Crew), neighborhood associations and local volunteers. The goal of a neighborhood cleanup is to remove trash and debris littering a targeted neighborhood. IT IS A CLEAN UP; NOT A CLEAN OUT A cleanup is not used to allow residents to purge their homes of unwanted items or yard waste. If you or someone you know needs to remove large items or yard waste, please call 311 to schedule a special pick-up. 1. A neighborhood association contacts Code Enforcement to establish a date and time for the cleanup. Note: ◘ Code Enforcement needs three (3) weeks notice to coordinate a cleanup. ◘ Cleanups are typically scheduled on Saturdays between 8am and noon. 2. The neighborhood association is responsible for recruiting volunteers and establishing block captains/group leaders. 3. Code Enforcement and the neighborhood association will set boundaries and create a map for volunteers. 4. Area Code Enforcement inspector(s) will blitz the area prior to cleanup to get larger items removed prior to the cleanup. 5. Neighborhood association will seek food/ drink donations for volunteers. 6. Neighborhood association will advertise the event on Facebook, Twitter and notify the press. 7. Neighborhood leaders of event and Code Enforcement will meet one week prior to the event to discuss details of cleanup. Organizers—Before Cleanup:  Meet before all volunteers arrive  Assign work groups to areas  Designate leaders for areas  Obtain contact information of leaders  Designate runners for bags & gloves  Introductions All—Before Cleanup:  Meet at central location  Distribute maps  Safety instructions All—During Cleanup:  Work in teams/pairs to clean assigned area(s)  Designated person(s) take photos before, during and after cleanup All—After Cleanup:  Meet at bag drop off location(s)  Load trucks  Return to central location  Turn in any extra gloves and/or bags Organizers—After Cleanup  Thank you speech  Thank you post on social media to volunteers and people/businesses who donated supplies, food or drink  Post pictures from the day on social media  Provide feedback to Code Enforcement