Who We Are

AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project

The AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project at Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies works to promote safety and community in Detroit. We help create new block clubs and foster established organizations to help increase neighborhood community!

The AmeriCorps Urban Safety project is designed to build a culture of neighborly communication and responsibility in the city of Detroit. In order to reduce crime in the area, we are working with local residents to create block clubs, a forum for residents to connect and create neighborhood safety strategies. This initiative provides the spark for a network of residents that will continue their crime-fighting efforts well after the program has moved on. We work to improve levels of neighborhood guardianship while reducing victim attractiveness and susceptibility.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security.  AmeriCorps’ members serve with more than 2,000 non-profits, public agencies, and community organizations.

Members serve in full or part-time positions over a 10-12 month period.  Upon completion of their service, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.  Those members who serve part time will receive a partial education award.  Those members who participate in the VISTA program also have the option to select either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or an end-of-service stipend of $1,200.  Members also have access to other benefits such as: health insurance, child care, training, and student loan forbearance during their service.  Some members also receive a modest annual living allowance depending on the terms of their program.