Housing Authority of the City of Austin Supports National Night Out

Released by:Housing Authority of the City of Austin

Summary:
Public Housing communities across Austin are planning events in support of National Night Out with the Austin police and fire departments.

For_Immediate_Release:
WHAT: Three hundred sixty-four nights a year, the Austin community depends on local law enforcement to protect its neighborhoods. One night a year, however, is dedicated to allowing citizens to take an active part in fighting crime. That one night this year, National Night Out, is Tuesday, Aug. 3.

In a nationwide effort encouraging citizens to remind potential criminals that crime has no place in their community, National Night Out has been an American tradition for 21 years now. In a city as big as Austin, local law enforcement is kept busy throughout the year guarding the community and making sure all areas are protected.

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin has been a part of the program for over five years, hosting events at its Public Housing communities to make residents more aware of better safety procedures.

HACA Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist Rebecca Allen says that the events bring communities and law enforcement agencies together to educate citizens about safety issues and areas of concern within their neighborhoods.

“National Night Out is an opportunity for HACA and police-community partnerships to educate residents how to identify and prevent crimes in their communities and gain control of their communities by using a pro-active approach," Allen said. "The resident councils, FSS specialists and property managers come together and decide what activities they would like to have at their event each year.”

Representatives from the Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department will attend the events, publicly addressing any community concerns before they mingle among residents enjoying refreshments and games with the children.

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, times vary

WHERE: Locations vary. Please contact Jennifer Jones at 477-4488 x117 or jenniferj@hacanet.org for more information.

WHAT ELSE: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a public agency whose business is to ensure that safe, quality affordable housing opportunities exist for families of low income; break the poverty cycle by serving as a catalyst for our residents to become economically self-sufficient; create meaningful partnerships to maximize available community resources for our residents; and efficiently and effectively meet federal, state and local mandates. For more information, please visit www.hacanet.org.

For more details:

Jennifer Jones 512-477-4488 x117