Bringing Safety Home, One Walk at a Time

When the North Loop neighborhood was going through a challenging time in 2021, Aileen Johnson and her neighbors decided to do something about it. Meet the Neighborhood Safety Groups, a self-funded, grassroots group that believes that one person can make a difference and that everyone should try.  Since 2021, neighbors have been meeting weekly to join together and walk their streets to help promote safety, community, and a great place to live for all. 

“I first met Greg at a North Loop City Council meeting where I shared my idea. Right away, he offered to have MartinPatrick 3 design and pay for our t-shirts, which is the signature piece of our identity that helps our community find us,” shared Aileen, co-founder of the group.

While they began in the North Loop, word quickly spread of their mission and other neighborhoods decided to follow suit. Today, twelve local groups across Minneapolis are quickly growing the initiative to move forward in a spirit of friendship and optimism as they help city officials address safety concerns in the community.

In addition to walks, the organizations regularly meet with park and neighborhood officials to learn more about their work, tour their facilities, and gain insight into how they can work together to keep our communities safe.  

“We’ve helped with everything from helping to identify and fix over 80 lights on the James Rice Parkway to creating a peaceful Fourth of July around Bde Mka Ska free of dangerous fireworks. In fact,” Aileen shares, “First Precinct Inspector Bill Peterson credits us with reducing auto theft in the area through our constant education program and consistent community walks.” 

The possibilities are endless when neighbors unite to make a difference. We’re proud to support Neighborhood Safety Groups, and hope you’ll see one of our orange shirts in your neighborhood soon. To learn more and get involved, visit mplsneighborhoodsafetyclubs.com.