Program Helps Apartment Complexes Take Back Their Neighborhood

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- One year after the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office implemented its "Crime Free Multi-Housing Program" in area apartment complexes, residents are feeling empowered about safety at home.

Perhaps nowhere is the sentiment greater than at The Eureka Gardens Apartments on the Westside, where there have, in the past, been many shootings and several homicides.

Mothers like Angelina Johnson tell First Coast News she's no longer afraid to let her children outside to play.

"They can come outside and play. They don't gotta worry about nobody shootin' over them or running...getting involved with the police!,"

Here at Eureka Gardens, there is new management. New programs for the kids. And a partnership with police to drive unsavory elements out.

"It's just a collective effort between the management, tenants and the police to drive those people out. To say that we don't want you here anymore. We're not going to put up with this in our apartment communities," said JSO Captain Mark Bowen.

JSO's Crime Free Multi-Housing Program started a year ago and is spreading like wildfire through complexes. When tenants sign or renew a lease on an apartment, they pledge not to participate in crime, or allow it to go on in their home. If police later make an arrest in your apartment... you will be evicted.

"If you don't abide by the rules, if you can't obey the law, then you forfeit your right to be able to live in these communities!" said Bowen.

"When you get evicted from one crime-free community, you can't go to another crime-free community!"

In Jacksonville, 25% of the population live in apartments. But apartments see roughly 40% of all the violent crime in the city.

Mother of three Elly James has seen a lot in her 7 years living here, including the recent positive change.

"Before we had the program we had a lot of violence and people shooting and people dying, but now I see a difference and feel safe here," said James.

Grandmother Lamarian Welch agrees.

"It's great! It's like everybody's unite to take back our neighborhood. And that's what we trying to do. Make this a better place not only for the children, but for the grownups and elderlies too! And that's what we trying to do -- Make one big Jacksonville!"

The goal, though lofty, it to someday have every apartment complex participate in the program, giving nefarious characters nowhere to live.

"It was a time when I was scared to even sit on my front porch, but now I can stay out there 'till nine or ten o'clock! And no fear!" said Welch.