Louis Goggans
Clark ‘Preacha’ Chambers details forthcoming ‘Safe House’ in South Memphis.
An area of South Memphis identified as territory of the Riverside Rollin’ 90’s Crips will soon boast a facility that provides at-risk youth with alternatives to gang activity.
During a press conference held at the Riverview Community Center today, establishment of the city’s first-ever “Safe House” was announced.
The nearly 3,000 square-foot building will serve as a resource center for youth. It will boast computer workstations, a music room, reading area, along with meeting and office space. Youth will also be able to receive mentorship and apply for scholarship programs. It’ll reportedly operate 24 hours a day.
The Safe House will be located on Florida Street, one of the areas included in a “Safety Zone” declared by the Multi-Agency Gang Unit within South Memphis’ Riverside community in September 2013. It’s the first of several safe houses that the Bikers and Social Clubs 4 Change (BSC4C) hope to establish in disadvantaged communities throughout the city.
“We’re tired of our people dying before they get a chance [to live] and not thinking outside of the box,” said Clark “Preacha” Chambers of BSC4C. “[They’re] thinking they’re bound to the cycles that exist in our communities. With these safe houses, they’ll have the opportunity to think more outside the box and turn away from crime.”
Construction of the Safe House on Florida Street is projected to cost $560,000. BSC4C plans to raise the bulk of that money through private donations, along with its upcoming Memphis Bike Fest. The five-day event takes place July 22nd-26th at Tiger Lane and areas surrounding the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
The organization plans to establish additional Safe Houses in the Frayser, New Chicago, Smokey City and Lauderdale Courts communities.
Read the Memphis Flyer next week for more information on the forthcoming Safe House in South Memphis.