Safe Streets Baltimore to offer programming and resources for Baltimoreans to promote peace and public safety during summer months

BALTIMORE, MD (Saturday, May 25, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) Director Stefanie Mavronis, Catholic Charities, and LifeBridge Health Center for Hope announced the start of Safe Streets Baltimore’s 4th annual Safe Summer program at a kickoff event in Druid Hill Park. 

During the summer months, Safe Streets sites join violence prevention programs across the country to host events and activities that provide resources for residents to promote peace and public safety across neighborhoods. Safe Summer programming is bolstered by additional programming available for young people throughout the summer hosted by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP) and the Mayor’s Office.

“I am thrilled to bring back Safe Summer for its 4th consecutive year. Accessibility to resources and engaging activities plays an important role in keeping our communities safe during the summer months,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “In line with Safe Streets Baltimore’s mission, Safe Summer is about bringing our communities together to promote peace and unity.” 

“Safe Summer is an important part of Safe Streets Baltimore’s work to change communal norms around violence and address its root causes,” said MONSE Director Stefanie Mavronis. “We are proud to support these efforts and bring more resources and community events to neighborhoods across Baltimore.”

“While our Safe Streets team is focused on making our streets safer every season of the year, we always look forward to the summer because the warm-weather months give us even more opportunities to engage the community – particularly our young people – in fun, outdoor activities,” said Bill McCarthy, Executive Director of Catholic Charities. “The bonds built during the summer months make a meaningful difference during every month of the year.”

“LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope is proud to play a role in keeping our neighborhoods safe and engaged during the summer months with Safe Streets Baltimore’s Safe Summer programming,” said Freedom Jones, Director of Community Violence Programs, Center for Hope. “We are extremely excited to engage in the process of creating a safer, more vibrant summer for our communities. Our participation is driven by a commitment to fostering a secure and supportive environment for everyone."

In 2023, Safe Streets sites held over 20 individual events as part of Safe Summer ranging from community block parties to school supply giveaways. 

Members of the public can find a list of this year’s events on MONSE’s website and are encouraged to visit the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success Bmore Teen Zone for additional opportunities.  This information will be updated as more events are added to the schedule. 

All Safe Summer events are free and open to the public.