Fayetteville will give cash to the public in exchange for ideas to combat violent crime

Fayetteville is providing funding for community organizations to come up with ways to help fight crime.

Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins said ideas that are born in neighborhoods by community leaders have a good chance of making a difference.

Recent Fayetteville news headlines have been filled with frightening stories of violence and murder. For example, on May 7, a 23-year-old was found shot multiple times on Gordon Way. The just two days later, a homeless veteran is found dead outside a vacant bank on Ray Avenue.

On May 16, two people found shot to death at a home on Aftonshire Drive.

In the fall of last year, Hawkins asked city leaders to provide "micro-grants" to help residents fund crime fighting programs in their neighborhoods.

"What the micro-grants enables the public or our community to do is bring those ideas to impact what they think will make a difference to minimize crime, specifically violent crime in certain areas within our community," she said.

So far, 80 organizations have applied for up to $5,000 in grants. The ideas promoted include conflict resolution, mediation and community crime prevention opportunities for teens, parents and families.

On top of that, some organizations also pitch programs that will help stabilize families.

Albert Baker is overseeing the process to allocate the cash. He said he's already seen some very good ideas coming out of the Fayetteville community.

"I've heard community groups talking about how they can expand their national night out," he said. "How they could attract new community watch members in their neighborhood."

Hawkins said crime prevention goes beyond law enforcement and the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office.

"It is the community's responsibility to share how do we want to keep our community safe," she said. "What is our expectation?"

All community members are welcome to apply, according to the city of Fayetteville. People applying for the grant don't have to be a member of a local organization.

The deadline to apply for the grants is Sunday. But if you missed out don't worry. Hawkins said there's enough micro-grant money to last two years.

People who didn't apply this time will be able to apply during the next funding cycle in October.