Walk With Us Skid Row Walk Honored

Central City East Wins 2007
Downtown Achievement Award

OOThe Central City East Association (CCEA) received the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) Award of Merit for the Skid Row Neighborhood Watch Walk at the IDA’s 53rd Annual Conference and World Congress in New York on September 17, 2007.

OOThe award entry, entitled “Walk With Us,” showcased the monthly effort by a diverse partnership of Downtown stakeholders to restore safety and dignity to the sidewalks of Central City East. In its second year, the walk continues to draw elected officials, Skid Row residents, print and TV journalists, downtown business owners, photographers, film makers, area employees and social service providers. Rain or shine, the walk demonstrates the commitment that people DO care about the quality of life in Central City East.

OOThe Walk began on July 6, 2005 with CCEA Executive Director Estela Lopez’ desire to call attention to the violence, addiction, and health hazards rampant throughout the district. Lopez forged a partnership with Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Midnight Mission, each of whom assisted in the development of the walk. Six months later, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Emergency Response Team joined the walk offering immediate transportation to shelter and services. The walk has saved lives, oftentimes by calling paramedics for people who are unconscious, incoherent, injured or in the throes of an overdose.

OOFor the 22nd year, the IDA honored exemplary projects in the field of downtown revitalization. Other awards were given to projects and programs in Wilmington, NC; New Orleans, LA; Cleveland, OH; Washington, DC; New York, NY; Greensboro, NC; Gosnells, Western Australia; Mesa, AZ; Oklahoma City, OK and Milwaukee, WI.