Belmont community rallies together to promote safer neighborhood

After seeing a multitude of crimes throughout their community, the people of Belmont decided they wanted to make a change.

“Its been a lot of crime and different things happening in this neighborhood and we didn’t want this neighborhood to be known as a place where crime happens,” Pastor Larry Gwen said.

Ten churches got together to organize the rally and had an outpouring of support for their efforts.

“A lot of the businesses from the community have donated food and other things. Pretty much everything was donated by businesses and other agencies within our community,”Gwen said.

One of those agencies was the Matt Talbot Kitchen who was set up to let people know they are always here to help.

“We just want to be represented here in case there is someone who may need help with anything. A meal, an evening meal, a lunch or outreach services,” Vicky Drozd said. 

Those in attendance said they could feel the love and joy spreading throughout the event and want nothing more than to unite the community for good.

The rally was free to everyone and gave people the chance to hear live music, dunk their pastors and even a special surprise.

“Oh my gosh, there are fire trucks here,” Cohen Beckman said. 

Lincoln Fire and Rescue gave kids the chance to sit in a fire truck, turn on the lights, and chat with the fire fighters.

Captain Francisco Martinez said these events are what spark change in a community.

“I think these type of events are really great for the community. It gets them out, it gets them together, it gets them talking about maybe issues in their neighborhood and we’re just happy to be a part of that,” Martinez said.