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in place, they will only inform police about the most blatant and troublesome violators of park <br /> regulations and local law. <br /> This proposed program is modeled on the successful Overnight Parking Program (OPP), with a <br /> system of information and warnings. Only failure to comply with warnings will result in EPD <br /> contact. This approach has demonstrably saved save the Police Department countless hours and <br /> approximately $220,000 in actual cost savings. The OPP has handled over 3,000 complaints <br /> since January 2002, most of which would have called for police response. Compared to <br /> traditional enforcement, The OPP has greatly decreased the cost of effective response while <br /> increasing the public's confidence in local law enforcement. <br /> The OPP, Eugene Service Station, and First Place Family Center are excellent examples of St. <br /> Vincent de Paul's strength in responding creatively to solve complex community problems. We <br /> have historically created programs that meet the needs of the community and the people we <br /> serve. The outreach workers will build on the strengths of existing community networks in order <br /> to create citizen advocacy to the Police and Parks and Recreation Departments. By involving all <br /> stakeholders, the desired outcome of a safer and cleaner park can be reached. <br /> Networking will involve the most concerned citizens in a positive pro- active approach by <br /> encouraging ownership of the issue and empowering individuals to respond effectively. A side <br /> benefit will be separating the very real safety issues of the general public from the economic <br /> concerns of homeowners in the area. Since the area is undergoing gentrification, we can <br /> anticipate engaged and motivated participation. Only by setting priority on safety can the police <br /> effectively deal with the real problems facing the public. <br /> In addition to serving as a deterrent and a liaison, the outreach workers will provide consistent <br /> and effective social service interventions to address the high -needs populations currently <br /> engaged in the most offensive behavior. The Safe Parks program will provide referral options <br /> and harm reduction education. The target populations include homeless youth, adults, and <br /> families, illegal campers, prostitutes, and injection drug users. <br /> With the help of community partners who are committed to providing additional outreach to <br /> specific populations, this program is sure to be more successful than different agencies working <br /> alone. For example, HIV Alliance already provides services to most injection drug abusers we <br /> will encounter. Their SANA needle exchange program has strong ties in the community and we <br /> intend to utilize their expertise. With their help, we can quickly and effectively reach people <br /> with whom they already have a trust -based relationship. <br /> Eight key programs have the potential to be coordinated to provide an effective safety -net for the <br /> high risk populations encountered: Eugene Service Station, SVDP Social Services, First Place <br /> Family Center, Overnight Parking Program, CAHOOTS, HIV Alliance, and New Roads /Looking <br /> Glass. Of these eight programs, SVDP operates four, and has a partnership relationship with all <br /> others. SVDP is the natural choice to manage the Safe Parks program. <br /> Project Description: <br /> The project will require the hiring of three full -time staff members, one program coordinator and <br /> two SafeParks outreach workers. <br /> First, the neighborhoods surrounding the parks in a two -block radius will be notified of the new <br /> program and provided with program brochures and contact information. The media will be <br /> 3 <br />