Excellent advice, some of which I already employ. (Keeping a mess) This is not my first bad neighborhood, but certainly the most dangerous. I've had design studios before, with crack addicts for neighbors (I like old industrial buildings) so I have some experience, still your pointers were valuable and informative.
Once I was a counselor at Bostons Long Island Shelter, one day a guy asked to borrow a bic pen for a minute, he gave it back, without the cap!! I looked at him with a wise *** grin and said, "cmon, give me the cap" He knew he didn't get over on me and promptly gave it back. I also put up framed photo prints in the shelter, knowing they would be stolen, I used reversible screws and secured it well. Still, a week later, a morning counselor caught a guy boarding the bus to the city - he was being blown of the island by the 3 foot poster he had managed to steal, despite every effort. LOL! I took it as a compliment, since I took the pic. But your right, some steal to survive. Thats why I didn't ask for anything too good. Thanks for the reply!
-Mark
I have lived, and worked in "not so nice" areas in my lifetime.
Some friends and family are still there. Some are missed. And it wasn't even a "war zone" then, just bad.
I thank you for the caring effort, and wish the best for you.
One kid makes it worth it, and there's always hope for a little change, if not a movement, with each new attempt.
I have a million thoughts and concerns about asking on the street vs a meeting.
But both have there own risks and politics, and you're not a total stranger there, so I'll keep it light.
A building in a bad neighborhood, is not a home. It is a learning experience even if that is where you live. More freaks are attracted to business buildings!
My buddy has a private art studio, and a private sound studio. Choice of neighborhood allows for this, not big money. He likes it when others work with him, it isn't a classroom, business, or social change driven thing. Its hobby thing for him, and he shares with anyone interested.
We tore out the innards, and rebuild some Detroit buildings that stood in the 1800's. Three people alone have died right there, literally on his steps (two miles apart), possibly seeking help as our hours were anytime, 24-7, and unpredictable.
Some folk tried to rob, and intimidate at times. Others, like the real neighbors, the ones that lived right there around us, pitched in without being asked. Other "real" businesses opened around these places within three years concentrating renewal on a strip that really needed it.
Keeping it "junky" will help with theft sure too. But I can also remember trashed classes at the actual schools fueled by rage in the success of others projects. Be ready for some of that mentality "teacher".
Don't accumulate lots of supplies there. I'm thinking of motors, wire, and other copper items. Pack things like transformers up each time, and remove them for a while at least. The first year for sure.
Welcome ....
We would put a table outside with things on it, and/or open doors and a nice home-style welcome mat out often during the day. Bored and curious, people (and freaks
) will come to see what is going on, talk, ask questions, and while looking in, and they will, they will see there isn't really anything worth taking inside, other than the things they see you pack all the time. Word will travel, soon they will forget you did that, you can close the door more, and less packing will be needed, but one of the same boxes should always go with you, even if it holds the days empty burger bags.
An incredible challenge, and opportunity, I hope you have a chance to experience all the fun possible there ahead of you.
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