FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: (last updated 10-11-06)

More information is coming soon, please check back.

Our biggest question is: What is Weed & Seed?

A: Weed and Seed is a collaborative effort by the United States Department of Justice, the State of Indiana, the City of South Bend, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor and the South Bend Police Department to reduce crime and drug trafficking in designated neighborhoods by developing broad economic and social opportunities with Federal, State and Local agencies, as well as private organizations and community groups.

There are two main aspects to the philosophy behind the work we do: Weeding out crime through patrol, apprehensions, crime identification and prosecution, and Seeding: Improving quality of life in the designated area through block improvements, education, and community involvement.

Weeding:

Law Enforcement: Utilizing Weed and Seed funds for extra law enforcement to reduce crimes such as homicide, drug sales, prostitution, burglary and theft.

Community Policing: Police and community residents working together to prevent crime and increase safety in neighborhoods.

Seeding:

Prevention, Intervention and Treatment: Providing Safe Haven services for residents that are secure against crime and illegal activity and find opportunities to be productive, successful and enhance skills.

Neighborhood Restoration: Working to improve the neighborhoods through cleaning of vacant lots, curb and sidewalk repair, increasing owner-occupied housing and increasing community involvement.

Weed & Seed is foremost a strategy—rather than a grant program—that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in designated high-crime neighborhoods across the country. Weed and Seed, a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), is an innovative, comprehensive multiagency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization.

Q) Where does Weed & Seed operate locally?

A) South Bend’s Weed & Seed area approximate boundaries are East to West: Arnold street to Sheridan Street, North to South from Sample to Linden Streets. This covers large commercial and residential corridors, such as Western Avenue, and the Lasalle Park Homes housing development.



Q) Does Weed & Seed apply in my neighborhood?

A) South Bend Weed & Seed's boundaries are specific to a provided area as allowed by the federal grant funding. This currently applies to the southwest region of town, in and around the Lasalle Park Homes housing area as mentioned above.

Q) When should I get involved in Weed & Seed?

A. If you work or live in the South Bend Weed & Seed area and want to play a part in improving the community, contact the South Bend Weed & Seed Coordinator. Citizens, businesses and community groups all play a major role in making Weed & Seed successful, so your involvement is greatly needed!

Q) Can I make a donation to the South Bend Weed & Seed Alliance?

The South Bend Weed & Seed Alliance exists to promote and provide a better quality of life to residents and merchants in the South Bend area. This is done with assistance from federal grants; however, we also welcome and need support from the community as well.

If you wish to make a donation to support continued funding for programs and services we support, then you can make a difference by showing your support with a monetary donation. Donations of any dollar amount are welcomed. To pledge a donation, or for more information, please contact us HERE

Q) How do I get involved in Weed & Seed?

A. If you want to get involved or want more information, contact the Weed & Seed Coordinator, Mark Dollinger via email by clicking upon the link provided.

More information is coming soon!