In 2024, we launched Safe Steps Northwest in partnership with street-cleaning business Glitter and State Senator Art Haywood. This groundbreaking project is focused on creating cleaner, safer, and stronger neighborhoods in Northwest Philadelphia by bringing weekly cleaning to 335 blocks that score highest for violent crime in Germantown and Mt. Airy, with the aim of reducing gun violence and fostering stronger community bonds.

Weekly cleaning began in June 2024 across the 335 identified blocks that had experienced recent gun violence. Preliminary analysis by the City of Philadelphia Controller’s office showed that shootings in neighborhoods served by Safe Steps Northwest decreased by 52% from 2023 to 2024, outperforming the city’s overall 40% decrease. 

This reduction suggests the positive impact of maintaining clean environments, and we anticipate further detailed data analysis will reveal even more profound reductions in violence on cleaned blocks.

Creating fulfilling work

Not only that – street cleaners Sway and Darik (pictured above) take pride in cleaning up and leaving their blocks looking sparkling. They say it’s satisfying to remove debris from sidewalks and in front of people’s homes so that they can walk freely and safely – especially for elderly residents. Neighbors offer lots of positive feedback and encouragement during their shifts, along with cold drinks and high-fives.

Darik came to Glitter through another Germantown-based initiative called P3 (Pushing Progress Philly), which works to reduce incidents of gun violence, create effective pathways for better life outcomes, and promote safety and opportunity in Philadelphia’s most impacted communities. 

Douglas Banks, Program Manager, says Glitter is very intentional about hiring justice-impacted individuals like Darik and paying them a living wage at $25/block. 

Darik, who grew up in North Philly, says the job “sets a really positive tone for me.” The feedback from neighbors creates a great atmosphere for coming to work each day. In the past, Darik faced serious challenges in life, so he doesn’t take the job for granted and wants to continue working hard.

He says the neighbors are really happy to see the results of his work. Some of them even started hanging signs saying, “Keep the block clean.” Darik has talked to block captains and been able to make good connections with the neighbors.

With cleaning, Darik is following in the footsteps of his grandmother and his aunt. He says, “I love this job so much. The engagement level is really high, which helps me keep my spark.”

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