Housing Works apartments take part in National Night Out

Residents of the Ariel South, Ariel Glen and Summit Park apartment communities gathered on their properties on Tuesday for a night outside enjoying free food, music, games and activities hosted by local community partners including Housing Works, the Bend Police and Fire Departments, Boys and Girls Club, OSU Extension Services and Commute Options.

The Bend Police Department brought official squad cars and a SWAT car and the Bend Fire Department visited the sites with a fire engine. There were bounce houses and cornhole games at each site. Residents were treated to a free hot dog and chips dinner and cold drinks helped those attending enjoy the event despite the heat.

Neighborhoods across the country joined forces for the 33 nd annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and committed to preventing crime.

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by Housing Works, includes over 16,540 communities from all 50 states. In all, over 38.1 million people were expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime”.

Housing Works Executive Director Tom Kemper said, “Housing Works is excited to sponsor this event at our Ariel Glen, Ariel South and Summit Park properties and to stand together with America to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our communities throughout Central Oregon.”