LET'S BEAUTIFY OUR FAUBOURG

FMIA is launching an “Adopt the Block” program and is looking for block captains.  The role of Block Captain is to recruit neighbors to help maintain clean streets/storm drains, identify/report blight, homeless encampments, graffitti, etc.

So, what is a Block Captain and how does the program work?

Step One:  Volunteer to be your block’s captain at an FMIA meeting or by reaching out to Donna Gentry via email @ blockcaptains@faubourgmarigny.org or via text @ 9173-7553-57613 (remove the threes)

Step Two: Using a map of your neighborhood, you will alert your neighbors to the program and urge them to get involved. You can do this one of two ways:  by talking to your neighbors or through a door-to-door campaign.  If you choose the door-to-door campaign, there are members of FMIA that will assist in this effort.  We are not approaching businesses or AirBnB’s.

Step Three:  Captains help members choose a day (or days) and time of the week that works best for them. Captains and involved members will use tools (listed below) to clean up their block streets on a regular basis. The commitment for Block Captains is about 10 hours a month and approximately 4-5 hours a months for members. Captains maintain communication and follow-up to be sure members are able to meet their commitments.

Step Four: Members and Block Captains meet monthly to discuss improvements to the process and assist Pep’s Pub in their major clean-up efforts in targeted locations.  Block Captains will hand-off monthly reports with addresses of blighted properties and other issues of note to appropriate board members for follow up with proper city agencies in hopes they will address the issue.

Step Five:  Stand back and enjoy the handiwork.

Why would we do this work, why not have the city do this? 

New Orleans is a “to-go” culture so the trash is unrelenting, broken glass is dangerous (to people and pets), there is a houseless issue, loose trash falls from garbage trucks  — even the most diligent businesses and homeowners face excess street trash on a daily basis. This program is lending a helping hand to garbage truck workers and those businesses doing their part in keeping our neighborhoods more beautiful and therefore more safe. 

What tools would we need? It is recommended that members of the program invest in any or all of the following:

• Grabber
• Gloves (never touch tin foil!)
• Plastic garbage bags (recycling plastic grocery store bags work best - there’s a reason)
• Spray Bottle of vinegar (for weeds)
• Sweep broom with dustpan (for small items)
• Rake (if you get a lot of organic debris, such as leaves)