Flint has received one million dollars of federal money to reduce crime.
The three year grant is intended to reduce crime, particularly in the north end of Flint.
Officials said they plan on spending the first year working with law enforcement, doing research and reaching out to the community.
Clarence Pierce is the CEO at Hamilton Community Health Network. They’re the community partner. He said any plans to improve Flint hinges on buy-in from the people who live there.
“It all depends on the residents. Anytime you go into a community you need to have their support in order to have success. We want them to participate were we can. We would like to be able to hire residents to help us with the research and the surveys”
Pierce said, he believes the grant will help kickstart action on other issues in the community as well, like education and unemployment. Although he does not think it will fix the whole problem.
“This won't fix all of the problems up their in the north end, it's a start. We are hopeful that we can collaborate with other community partners and others grant funding sources and expand on what we have here. And try to not only address the crime issues but health issues, the water problem, educational issues and unfortunately unemployment issues”
Pierce stays optimistic for Flint and said he cannot wait to be involved with the community.