Original Coverage & Source Attribution: abc45.com
Greensboro, N.C. — Greensboro police officers and local agencies took to the streets of the Hampton Homes community for a walk aimed at strengthening relationships with residents while connecting them with mental health resources.
The event, called Faith and Blue, brought together law enforcement and community partners to walk through the neighborhood and raise awareness about mental health and available services.
“I decided to start walking so we can talk with the residents, find out what their needs are and let them know they have people up here that can give them different information,” said Karen Rebase, a resident ambassador.
As neighbors walked, vendors were on hand offering assistance with housing, therapy and other services.
“To have an opportunity to come out and walk with the community just shines a light on the fact that we’re here to produce opportunities for life’s success,” said Anthony Banks, senior resident engagement manager.
Greensboro police’s Public Housing Neighborhood Resource Center has worked within the Hampton Homes community for years. The walk has been held as a tradition for the past two years, with Sgt. Korey Johnson working with the Greensboro Housing Authority to increase the event’s impact.
“It just simply means action, people can tell you a lot of things but the walking means action, there’s action on the police department, action on the GHA, action for the mental health community, action for the residents…so we’re putting it all together,” Johnson said.
Community partners said the walk also creates an opportunity for residents to build familiarity with officers.
“I’m trying to get them to at least get to know the police, not be scared of the police…and when they need to call when there’s something going on, don’t be scared,” Rebase said.
