ROANOKE, Va. – Curbing crime in Roanoke can be solved in many different ways. It just depends on who you ask.
Most people, like community members and city leaders, 10 News talked to say it at least takes work by law enforcement and the community.
Peacemakers is one of a few Roanoke organizations doing work in this vein.
“We are trying to hit every aspect that we can to make our community a safe and decent place to live,” said Peacemakers founder Shawn Hunter.
His organization has gone through neighborhoods that have experienced crime to do preventative work.
He challenged his team to find other things they can to curb crime. A group being overlooked were those with a criminal record.
“We know that the main three things everyone needs is shelter, clothing and a job. Only way you can ascertain shelter is by having a job,” expressed Hunter.
“It’s all kinds of things we can do in the community, but this is one of the biggest ones because if you give a person a job it removes them from the street.”
“I really don’t know what the issue is with hiring convicted felons coming out of prison because they’ve paid their debts to society so why make them pay twice,” stated Deaunte Walker.
Walker was released from state prison 90 days ago.
With the help of Hunter and others, he found a job quickly after but ran into some setbacks. His experience mirrors that of many formerly incarcerated individuals.
“It’s always difficult getting out of prison trying to establish and transition back into society,” said Walker.
To help this group, a job fair is planned.
Refreshing Church, Peacemakers and Goodwill Industries of the Valley are hosting the fair Saturday, April 16, at 2502 Melrose Avenue NW from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I don’t just want to talk about it. I want to be about it,” said Refreshing Church Bishop J.L. Jackson. “This is one of many things we are planning to do to change what we see and try to refresh Roanoke.”
For more information, call 540-519-1443.