LYNN — In an ongoing effort to proactively connect and communicate with the community, and in response to feedback at a community-outreach forum, the mayor’s office will kick off a neighborhood canvassing event this week.
On Thursday afternoon, staff from the mayor’s office and other city departments will visit with residents on Essex Street and the surrounding area, going door to door to provide a list of resources and listen to what people have to say.
“The idea is to meet residents where they are at,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “We want to improve our line of communication and provide a list of resources offered in the city, including after-school and youth programs, city services, and public and mental health programs.”
In addition to improving accessibility to city government, the canvassing effort will address issues raised at a forum held at Ingalls Elementary School in September, at which hundreds of residents joined to share their questions, concerns, and thoughts in response to a spate of violence the city experienced over the summer.
In addition to the canvassing, there will be a table set up at Ingalls School for residents to stop by, connect with city staff, and learn about available resources.
“The Public Health Department is excited to participate in this event,” Public Health Director Lisa Tobin said. “Being out on the streets and meeting people at their homes will hopefully confirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone has an ability to be heard and that everyone matters. Actively seeking to find out what residents need and want to live their best lives is what public health is all about.”
The neighborhood canvassing is a collaborative effort with the city’s Public Health, Parks & Recreation, Community Development and Police departments, as well as the City Council.
“We want to connect with people in the interest of working together to achieve peace in our community,” Nicholson said.
