Congressman G. K. Butterfield announced yesterday that Henderson has tentatively earned a federal “Weed and Seed” designation.
“Pending a visit to the community and a review, Henderson will become a ‘Weed and Seed’ community,” Butterfield said. “This is a reflection of hard work of the community and the strength of the commitment to improve the quality of life there.”
Butterfield said that the U.S. Department of Justice notified him that Henderson has earned the “Weed and Seed” designation pending a site visit and review that should occur within 90 days.
Weed and Seed is a comprehensive community-based program administered through the U.S. Department of Justice which aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in designated high-crime neighborhoods across the country. There are more than 300 Weed and Seed sites across the country, including those in Raleigh and Durham. The target areas range in size from several neighborhood blocks to several square miles, with populations ranging from 3,000 to 50,000.
Generally, the program’s strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in “weeding out” violent criminals and drug abusers and public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to “seed” much-needed human services, including prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration programs. A community-oriented policing component bridges the weeding and seeding elements.
Butterfield, who has toured the targeted area and strongly supported the city’s application, said that the program will develop long-term and sustainable strategies to tackle the high rates of crime, poverty and unemployment.
Butterfield said that pending the review, funding and technical assistance will be available though the U.S. Department of Justice. The community would be eligible for up to $175,000 a year for five years in a competitive process for funding.