LYNN — City officials and community members knocked on doors, handed out resource packets, and listened to what residents had to say as Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office held its second neighborhood canvassing event.
Nicholson, City Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain, Ward 4 City Councilor Natasha Megie-Maddrey, Ward 6 City Councilor Fred Hogan, Police Chief Christopher Reddy, and Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy Program Director Antonio Gutierrez were among those who canvassed from Shepard Street to Astor Street on Tuesday.
The mayor’s office held its first neighborhood canvassing event last fall near Ingalls Elementary School.
“We asked the community how we could be of service,” Sarita Ago, the community affairs and outreach coordinator for the mayor’s office, said. “One of the biggest concerns was the safety of the community, and so we came back to the office and thought, ‘What can we do to show support for our community?'”
Ago explained that there are many great resources available in the city, but people often don’t know that they are accessible to them.
“So we thought that the best way to share that is canvassing,” Ago said. “We wanted to start with the areas that were directly impacted through the incidents we had last year.”
Nicholson noted that this round of canvassing focused on neighborhoods that have recently been affected by community violence, such as the shooting on Commercial Street.
“I think there’s really something powerful about showing residents that we want to meet them where they’re at by going out to their community and doorstep,” Nicholson said.
He also mentioned that the canvassing events provide his office with the opportunity to directly connect with residents.
“We’re always thinking of ways to reach residents and constantly struggling with the challenges of making those connections and overcoming those barriers that exist,” he said.
The mayor’s office created the resource packets that were distributed to residents. The packets are also posted on its website and are available to anyone who would like one.
The packets list local organizations, nonprofit programs for young adults, and afterschool activities.
McClain explained that she and the other participants passed out these pamphlets to make sure that people in the city know they have access to resources such as child care, food pantries, and rent services.
“I thought it was just a great initiative, and I think it’s helpful for residents to know that these services are provided,” McClain said.
Megie-Maddrey emphasized the city’s summer job program and recalled when Nicholson said he would get a summer job for every young adult who applies for one.
“We really want to push the summer job program, and make sure that we get youths off the street and working,” Megie-Maddrey said.
Ago said the mayor’s office plans to continue holding these canvassing events and hopes to have another one this summer.
