Pumpkin Carving with Families in Cleveland

One of the things that can make a neighborhood safer is when neighbors know one another and can look out for each other. This project is designed to connect and build relationships between as many neighbors as possible by providing an opportunity for families from all backgrounds to come together to carve pumpkins that will decorate our street.

1. Raise funds
2. Outreach: canvass the street and distribute flyers for the event
3. Purchase supplies
4. Set-up the event in a city-owned vacant lot at the center of the block
5. Hold the event
6. Report back to donors with photos and thank for their contribution

This project is meant to build relationships between neighbors, which can have tangible effects on safety and other quality of life issues in the neighborhood. Since I moved into my home over a year and a half ago, I have noticed that people on the street typically know their immediate neighbors, but not the people living a few doors down. I also notice a disconnect between neighbors of different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our street will be stronger, and will be able to come together to resolve issues in the future if we have established good relationships amongst ourselves. This pumpkin carving event is just meant to be the spark we need to come together.