Phoenix resides in a historic older neighborhood of central Phoenix. The ashram community is a part of what is called the greater Coronado Neighborhood, an area approximately one by one and a half miles. Within that area 40 properties are Sikh Dharma or sangat owned. Because of the perimeter of the Coronado Neighborhood it had become inefficient in meeting the smaller neighborhood needs.
Sevak Singh and Shant Kaur with the support of numerous community members took it upon themselves to spearhead a smaller neighborhood association, now called Historic Emerson North. This network functions in consort with the larger Coronado Association. Through their efforts of coordinating this network of 16-square blocks which surround the Gurdwara they have made a tremendous turnaround in the community; made up of mixed races, ethnicities, religions, social beliefs,economic and educational backgrounds.
The first Historic Emerson North meeting brought 90 neighbors together with several city and neighborhood ‘fight back’ officials. The general goals were neighborhood safety, improved appearance and good neighbor habits. Neighbors got to know each other, cooperatively met according to block areas, elected block captains and started participating in weekly block watch meetings (block by block) which were held at the ashram. Within the first two weeks the increased awareness had resulted in deterring a burglary and a home fire.
Historic Emerson North will be a year old as of February ‘94. Within that short amount of time they have organized events to plant 60 trees, painted an outdoor mural, painted and maintained graffiti spots, held regular meetings, sponsored neighborhood parties, produced the Emerson North newsletter, installed a welcome sign near one neighborhood entrance and are currently planting 2,000 bulbs for springtime. The crime activity has drastically reduced. They have sponsored several neighborhood work days (karma yoga days) with the city supplying the dumpsters, painted numerous buildings, and cleaned up vacant lots. Neighborhood grievances have gone to court and won. They are supporting a program that offers police officers incentives to move into the area as residents and will allow the officer to bring their police cars home from work. A youth affairs committee within the association organized by Sat Nam Singh has sponsored numerous one on one ‘good energy’ programs and job opportunities for neglected teens, to deter gang activity.
May God bless them all for putting into action 'Love Thy Neighbor.'