Natural History of Building an Anti-violence Youth Center

Background: Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) is an organization that promotes community service, including organizing to fight violence, in Washington Heights, NY. In 2003 FYI proposed to build a new headquarters in a troubled section of the neighborhood. In order to assess the impact of this building on the local environment, we worked with FYI to develop a study that compared the evolution of the FYI block with two nearby blocks. Method: The three blocks were regularly observed from the period before the building went up to several years after its completion. These visits were documented with photographs and fieldnotes. In addition, after the move, staff at FYI regularly shared what they were doing to create connections on their block. Results: A profound transformation was observed on FYI's block. These changes included: renovations of buildings, removal of graffiti and trash, diminution of drug sales during hours when youth are going to and from school and the youth center, and increased surveillance. FYI introduced their program as an alternative to negative behaviors. Landlords invested in their buildings. Tenants organized to acquire and repair the most distressed building, turning it into an attractive and safe dwelling. Changes in a positive direction, but not of the same magnitude, were observed on the comparison blocks. Discussion: Investment by FYI triggered others to invest their time and money in making a safer neighborhood. FYI's leadership can be replicated by other groups seeking to fight violence and create safe spaces for youth.