The District Chronicles

Issue date: 6/28/09 Section: Neighborhood

Media Credit: Khalid Naji-Allah/Staff Photographer

Before President Barack Obama called on Americans to serve their communities, Cecilia Jones and members of the Northwest Columbia Heights Association were already working to make their neighborhood safer.

Jones said Obama's passion for community service has given her and others momentum to work harder.

Jones, who is president of the Northeast Columbia Heights Association, said she began serving because she cares about the safety of her neighborhood.

She believes that it is up to the residents of Columbia Heights to work for the change they believe in.

There was a time when undesirable people used to hang on doorsteps of homes and buildings in Northwest Columbia Heights. When residents called police complaining about gang activity, drugs and prostitution, nothing was done.

"I've lived here for four years but there are people who have been here for 30 years," Jones said. "If you can hear my passion just imagine how passionate those who have lived here for decades are."

In order to get a faster response from police, the Northwest Columbia Heights Association purchased cell phones and donated them to police officers that patrol Columbia Heights.

That is one small step Columbia Heights residents took that has made life a lot safer in that neighborhood.

"First you have to call 911 and if there isn't a quick enough response, you call the cell phones," Jones said.

Jones is giddy about the initiative, which residents of Mount Pleasant have adopted. She hopes to see other communities in DC do the same to improve safety in their neighborhoods. She said cell phones are an effective community safety tool.

"We've reached out to police and now it's better," Jones said. "We know who to call. Just knowing has made a huge difference in cleaning up our neighborhood."

The association started very informally in 2007 at a meeting in the home of one resident. Today, it is a certified non-profit organization that focuses on increasing safety, unity, service, and community in Columbia Heights.

The organization has 40 members but Jones wants to build it to at least 100. She has posted an ad on www.usaservice.org, a Web site advocating national community service and involvement. In the ad, Jones solicits those living in Columbia Heights to get involved and serve their community.

"I don't think Obama is the only reason why people should all of sudden want to do community service. We all have it in us to want to help he's just given us a push," Jones said.

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