When crime strikes locally, local residents strike back. On Thursday, September 4, 2003 a meeting regarding a potential neighborhood Crime Watch was held at the Home Ownership Program Office of South Carolina Regional Housing Authority No. 3 at 986 Doyle Street, Orangeburg, SC. With a nearly 100% turn out, the residents showed their serious determination to learn more about ways they can strengthen and secure their community.
As citizens concerned about their community, the residents of Harleywood Drive, one of Orangeburg's Home Ownership New Development neighborhoods listened as Deputy Sheriff Stroman highlighted topics such as home security, joining a neighborhood watch, and automobile theft prevention from handouts. As a liaison between the residents and the Sheriffs Department, Deputy Sheriff Stroman explained the details of starting a neighborhood watch. Local law enforcement would aid in getting the neighborhood watch off the ground and continue support in any way necessary from attending meetings and making recommendations to stepping up paroles and coordinating investigations.

Deputy Sheriff Stroman explained several issues regarding forming a neighborhood watch. Initially a chairperson and at lease two block captains must be elected. The optional "Crime Watch" sign may be purchased for $35.00 from a local sign maker. He recommended personal involvement and networking as ways to insure success. He also recommended that meetings be held monthly during the establishing phase

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After serious discussion to evaluate interest in establishing a neighborhood watch, it was decided unanimously to pursue the idea. The residents determined they wanted to purchase a "Crime Watch" sign to be posted on their street. One resident volunteered to collect the money to purchase the sign. They also determined they wanted to have monthly meetings. It was determined that the chairperson and block captains would be elected during next month's meeting. One resident volunteered to get in touch with each resident individually to determine details for the next meeting. Another resident volunteered to copy and circulate the Neighborhood Watch Organizer's Guide obtained from the National Crime Prevention Council web page.

If interested in reviewing the guidelines and for more information on this topic, visit
http://www.ncpc.org/

Yard of the Month Awarded

During the Crime Watch meeting (see related story above), residents were surprised with the announcement of the Yard of the Month Award. As an incentive to show Harleywood Drive residents how much we appreciate and enjoy their hard work shown in their community, the Homeownership office has awarded a certificate and colorful yard sign to the Colter Family for the month of September.

Money Smart Training Program

South Carolina Regional Housing Authority No. 3 and Southeastern Housing Foundation have chosen Money Smart, a financial education program, created by the FDIC, as a training tool to help low and moderate-income individuals avoid predatory lending and provide knowledge for access to mainstream banking services. The program includes ten training sessions that increase in complexity. Participants will learn how to manage their money, save, and invest in assets such as a home. Money Smart will also help participants develop relationships with financial institutions that may later help them obtain loans to purchase a home.

Bank On It, an introduction to banking services, the first in the series was presented by Patricia Thompson, Homeownership Coordinator to residents of Bamberg Villa on Wednesday, September 24. Three local banking representatives were invited to the complex to discuss
their banking products as a
complement to the course.
Refreshments were served.