Mutual Aid

Availability of Neighbors
Neighbors in Compton are not necessarily visible to other members of the community. The most prominent physical barriers were the waist-high fences between front yards and the sidewalk. The most noticeable and perhaps most prominent were the wrought-iron fences. Black, heavy, and aesthetically unpleasant, they sent a message that unannounced company was not appreciated. There were also chain-link fences, as well as picket fences and brick walls. It was interesting that while some were locked, others ended at the driveway. It was also interesting to note that there were no porches, and often the streets were crowded with cars, further obstructing the views of front yards from across the street. In Compton, neighbors appear to have to make an effort to communicate with each other in the smallest ways. There were few pedestrians or children on neighborhood streets.

Coming Together

While fences and cars provide visual obstructions to neighbors, there are places in which members of a neighborhood block can come together. The Redevelopment Agency of Compton has begun to create "Pocket Parks" where vacant lots used to be. Arturo Frazier, former City Councilmember, explained that vacant lots were an eyesore and often attracted criminal activity. Instead of increasing security around these areas, Compton took a positive approach by using the space to create a pleasant location for neighbors to enjoy.
There are places in Compton in which the word "neighbor" is re-defined to describe members of a larger geographical area of Compton than a city block. Town Hall meetings are held at City Hall and are open to the public. However, because local officials are primarily African American, the city's majority Latino population does not often use the space.
The Salvation Army has also facilities where the people of Compton can get a gym membership, children can play on a playground, and teens can relax in a "teen room," which is being equipped with the technology to house a recording studio. However, the Salvation Army's facilities are under-utilized for various reasons. While the place is accessible to all in the area, and often for little or no charge, the center's entrance is not easily visible from the street. More importantly however, is the fact that the Salvation Army does not have the financial resources to staff its facilities or to run programs that encourage their usage.
A shopping center at the southernmost edge of Compton was built, in part, to encourage Compton's residents to mingle while they shop, according to Frazier.
Members of a church also operate as neighbors, meeting on a regular basis in their place of worship. While Frazier admitted that the various churches often do not co-mingle, he did say that during his time on the City Council, he helped to organize a street fair dedicated to bringing together church-members for a day of fun.

Religious Centers in Compton
Churches and other places of worship appeared to be the center of social activity in Compton. While other facilities may be underutilized, churches provide a safe social space for residents. While gangs may dominate city blocks, churches are expected to be secure and friendly. The churches, however, are generally divided along ethnic lines. While providing comfort and safety to those groups who might otherwise feel marginalized in the larger community or even society, the lack of cultural diversity within the safe and presumably candid church community has the potential to further isolate families from their physical neighbors. This isolation could be a contributing factor to the gangs' control of the neighborhoods. Recognizing the potential power in church communities, Frazier's efforts to unite the various churches appears to have merit. As a further example of the growing positive power of the churches, Frazier noted that a group called "The Pastors of Compton," has begun trying to engage their respective churches to organize around common community goals and actions.

Financial and Emotional Support
Compton residents seek financial and emotional support through various resources within the community. Banks in the city of Compton offer financial seminars in order to educate their residents. These seminars provide assistance in the area of increasing their financial knowledge. Emotional support can be found through different programs such as foster care, half way housing programs, and similar programs. Residents can also go to City Hall for pamphlets and brochures to providing information about different resources and programs within the community.

Service Clubs
The City of Compton is divided into 4 regions. Within each region there are "Block Clubs" conceived to open the lines of communication between the neighborhoods. The clubs participate in block parties as well as participate in Town Hall Meeting. Each region uses the city's Park and Recreational Centers to have meetings. There is also a designated place for the city's Senior Citizens to go for recreational activities and day programs. In addition, the Salvation Army hosts a number of public events. At one time, there were even cooking classes!