In recent years, Toledo has witnessed a surge in community-driven initiatives focused on enhancing safety and fostering engagement across neighborhoods. These efforts, spearheaded by local organizations and city departments, aim to address the root causes of violence and build a more connected community.
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE)
Established to tackle gun violence through a public health approach, MONSE collaborates with various stakeholders to strengthen Toledo’s safety ecosystem. Their 18-month roadmap includes:
- Strengthening the Save Our Community initiative.
- Convening the Community Action Table (CAT) for key partners engaged in community safety.
- Developing a Comprehensive 5-Year Plan for Neighborhood Safety.
- Building the capacity of all key partners engaged in community safety.
- Intentional engagement with youth impacted by gun violence.
- Coordinated crisis incident response.
- Launching a Violence Reduction Council.
- Coordinated and targeted greening, blight reduction, repairs, and beautification efforts.
- Identifying sustainable, braided funding to support work throughout the ecosystem.
These initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to reduce violence and promote community resilience. Learn more about MONSE’s efforts.
Community Action Table (CAT)
The CAT brings together 53 organizations and neighborhoods to improve cross-sector collaboration in addressing gun violence. Since August 2023, participants have been developing recommendations for a Comprehensive 5-Year Plan for Neighborhood Safety. The CAT’s working groups focus on areas such as:
- Built Environment
- CBO Capacity Building
- Conflict on Social Media
- Coordinated Crisis Intervention
- Inclusive Economy & Employment
- Public Housing Safety
- Victim & Survivor Services
- Youth Engagement
These collaborative efforts aim to create a safer and more inclusive Toledo. Discover more about the CAT’s initiatives.
Hope Connections Toledo
Founded in 2024, Hope Connections focuses on empowering individuals and families by connecting them to transformative resources. Their mission is to build stronger communities by providing access to opportunities that inspire growth and self-sufficiency. Key initiatives include:
- Launching the first Brilliant Toledo program with Family Workshops, a Summer Literacy Program, and a Community Garden.
- Collaborating with existing neighborhood organizations to craft strategies that build leadership and capacity.
Hope Connections exemplifies grassroots efforts to foster hope and resilience within the community. Learn more about their mission and programs.
University of Toledo’s Community Engagement
The University of Toledo (UToledo) actively engages with the community through various initiatives aimed at sustainable urban development and social responsibility. Notable efforts include:
- Collaborating with local organizations to promote sustainable projects, such as the Glass City Community Solar project, which aims to expand solar access to low-to-moderate income communities.
- Supporting infrastructure upgrades, including solar installations and energy-efficient building designs, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
UToledo’s commitment to community engagement underscores the importance of academic institutions in fostering societal well-being. Explore UToledo’s community engagement initiatives.
These collective efforts highlight Toledo’s dedication to building a safer, more connected community through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to positive change.