NORFOLK, Va. — One Norfolk neighborhood has a new way to connect with first responders in case of emergency.
Leaders with Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) said they introduced an emergency call box in Calvert Square, which is in the St. Paul area, this week.
Crews installed it as part of a pilot program, bringing people in the area another way to call first responders for help.
People can find the blue tower on Bagnall Road near Tidewater Drive. Pressing its red button will alert police or paramedics to a security or health-related situation.
Members of the nonprofit organization New Virginia Majority (NVM) said they petitioned for emergency call boxes in St. Paul's dating back to fall 2022.
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"We're trying to keep the community safe from all of the things that can cause them harm," said Monét Johnson, a lead organizer with NVM. "I look forward to more initiatives that protect the community and have protections from over-policing in mind as well."
NVM leaders described this system as a way to put public safety resources in the right place. They also believe it'll encourage more people, who otherwise wouldn't, to report emergencies as they happen.
In mid-June 2023, 13News Now reported on the NRHA approving a pilot program for the call boxes.
Now, residents are learning about the first one that went up.
"I really want them to see how effective it is, to be honest," said Sasha Simmons, a Calvert Square resident who also works with NVM.
Simmons said she's seen crime slow down some in the area; however, violence has historically plagued the community.
"I still hear gunshots at night in my community, in Calvert Square," said Simmons.
Johnson hopes the blue tower means more partnerships with the community in the future.
"That's always what we're pushing for. One call tower is not going to create the safety net that is necessary for this community, but a start is always a positive thing," said Johnson.
Moving forward, NRHA directors will monitor how effective the new emergency call box is and how much it's used.
In a statement from the NRHA's Director of Safety and Security Karen Rose, she said in part, "Resident safety and peace of mind are at the heart of all our programs at NRHA. This is another example of how we are working to provide both."