Acts of Light: Community Safety Project

When E 39th Garden got caught in the crossfire of gun violence from semi-automatic weapons, residents decided to turn certain disaster into opportunity. The proposed fence will separate the garden from the gas station, which has experienced gun violence in the past, obstructing a clear line of sight and fast get away down E 39th Street.   Stray bullet holes rocked the garden image as a safe space, creating an unacceptable risk of harm and gas explosion to families and children engaged in garden and bee education at the garden.

The E 39th Community Garden, owned by CIPTT, Inc., a 501(c)3 public charity,  grows produce and offers garden education and jobs to preschoolers and young adults with special needs and has been operating since 2017, giving away produce to folks managing chronic illness. In 2023, we decided to tackle lead poisoning, which, if untreated, causes many forms of permanent mental and physical illness in youth ages 6 and older. 

Instead of surrendering to bullet holes, Central residents want to fill round holes cut in the wood fence with color glass beads and marbles, symbolizing the power of love to triumph over death. This will create a spectacular array of color and art, while proving protection from mayhem, restoring the garden as a safe space. Please support our effort to take a stand for safety.

1) Obtain an easement from City for fence (already submitted and verbally approved); 2) Obtain approval from City Planning re design; 3) Order fencing -comes in 8' width sections; embed glass beads in wooden slates prior to installation; 4) Dig anchor posts; 5)  install fencing, mount removable display brackets; 6) engage community in developing art to be hung in mural on fence;  7) Install art pieces on display mounts; 8) unveil at Health Walk and Lead screening in late August.

As a proud neighbor in the Central community, we have stood up to vandalism of our community art display by moving it to the lobby of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center; repaired  a porta potty blown up by firecrackers; repaired garden beds trampled by out of control vehicles, and theft of garden equipment with a message of empowerment. We're still HERE. In an area with high mortality, morbidity, poverty and hopelessness, we stand committed to serving the needs of Central. Our focus on empowerment targets those with disabilities, who have the greatest need, but fewer options for independent living. With support of the entire family, we want the E 39th garden to be a gathering place to have fun, learn about art and gardening to aid mental health, and be encouraged to persevere.