‘Stop the violence’ community outreach event in northwest Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In an effort to be a beacon of hope in the community, members of the Assembly Love and Faith Church in Durkeeville were out and about providing support and essential items to neighbors in search of love.

Food, water, clothes and COVID-19 kits were on display to make a difference in the lives of many.

“We need more stuff like this out in the community. Try to draw our people back together during this crazy pandemic we’re going through,” Michael Holligan said.

Holligan is a nearby neighbor and said he’d like to see changes in his community.

After digging through JSO’s Crime Mapping tool, there have been 22 recorded assaults within 2 miles of McMillan Street just in the past week.

The goal of this initiative is to put an end to violence.

“Try to help bring solutions and begin to engage with conversations to find out what we can do to make it better,” Cultural Community Specialist Stevie Taylor said. “So we can tear down the violence and bridge love and bridge the community together.”

Pastor James Huggins said events like this are just the beginning and, for those who need it, a little bit of help can go a long way.

“In order to reach them, we have to give back to them in order to help them,” Huggins said. “We have to find out what is going on in the neighborhood and try to stop the crime.”

The pastor told Action News Jax that cohesiveness is essential in a community. Those within it said while it’s about giving back, it’s also an opportunity for everyone to show love and support during unprecedented times.

“Open a lot of people’s eyes. There’s still love and care out here. We need all people to come together and stop fighting against each other. It’s ridiculous,” Holligan said.

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Cox Media Group