DHIC Celebrates National Night Out

This year, DHIC celebrated National Night Out at two of their properties: The Village at Washington Terrace and Willard Street Apartments.

Bringing the Community Together at The Village at Washington Terrace

On August 6th, despite the looming threat of rain, residents of The Village at Washington Terrace came together for a memorable National Night Out event hosted by DHIC. This year’s gathering was packed with fun activities, informative vendors, and opportunities for residents to connect with local law enforcement—all while fostering a sense of unity within the community.

The main goal of National Night Out is to strengthen relationships between communities and the police, as well as to provide residents with valuable resources. According to DHIC’s Bridgette Lynn, this year’s event hit all the right notes, attracting 155 volunteers and residents despite the uncertain weather. The night featured a variety of activities that delighted both children and adults alike. 

One of the evening’s highlights was a petting zoo, complete with small ponies that kept the kids entertained. As residents mingled and enjoyed the festivities, the local police officers even joined in on the fun, teaching line dances and showing off their moves. “It’s events like these that break down barriers and remind everyone that we’re all in it together,” said Lynn.

Several community vendors were present, including the Capital Area Workforce Development team, which provided job opportunities and resources, particularly for those impacted by the justice system. “It was amazing to see how residents responded, especially those who didn’t think they had certain options for employment,” Lynn shared. Additionally, Wake Up and Read, a long-time partner of the event, returned to distribute books, and Living Beyond It offered on-site mental health assessments, giving residents tools to manage stress.

Pelican’s SnoBalls, a resident favorite, provided cold treats as part of the event, while local volunteers, the property management team, and the Sunshine Committee helped ensure everything ran smoothly. A local artist also engaged younger residents at a coloring station, adding a creative touch to the festivities.

The feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the chance to engage with police officers one-on-one. Community safety concerns were addressed in a personal, supportive way, helping to ease anxieties some residents may have had about communicating with law enforcement.

Overall, this year’s National Night Out was a testament to the power of community events. As Lynn explained, “It continues to improve the growth and unity of the Village. It brings people together, provides essential resources, and builds a brighter future for everyone involved.” She also made sure to note that the event wouldn’t have been possible without help from Resident Coordinator, Brittany Liagoure, and the following vendors and organizations:

• Artspace
• College Foundation of North Carolina
• DHIC Homeownership Center
• DJ Osbourne
• John Boy Photography
• Magic by David: Mobile Petting Zoo
• Printing Promo

Building Connections at Willard Street Apartments

Over in Durham on October 1st, Willard Street Apartments hosted their own event in honor of National Night Out. Organized by DHIC in partnership with Self-Help and the Durham Co-op Market, the evening was filled with food, music, and important conversations.

Aaron Crouse, who led the event, shared that around 20-25 residents attended, mingling with law enforcement officers, city representatives, and community partners. The Durham City Manager’s Office was present, along with District 5 Officer Larry Vanderwater and other officers who engaged with residents on various public safety issues.

“We partnered with Self-Help, who co-sponsored the event and helped provide food,” said Aaron. “It was great to have their support, along with the Durham Co-op, which brought information pamphlets and donated $25 gift cards for raffle prizes.”

Music filled the air, thanks to Tytia Jones, who brought a boombox that got residents of all ages dancing. In addition to the fun and entertainment, the event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue. Several residents completed surveys about their experiences in the community, providing valuable feedback to DHIC for improving support services.

Beyond connecting residents, National Night Out facilitated candid discussions about community concerns, including public safety. “One of the key things we discussed was a broken gate near the bus stop that poses safety risks,” Aaron noted. “I was able to bring this directly to the attention of city officials, which was a unique opportunity for immediate action.”

Crouse also reflected on the importance of having city officials and law enforcement engage face-to-face with residents. “It shows residents that these leaders are accessible and invested in the community. You can talk to your city manager or police officer about issues right here, and that’s powerful.”

The success of the event has already sparked excitement for future gatherings. One resident, touched by the generosity and community spirit, even took leftover pizza to share with someone in need, demonstrating the strong sense of care that defines the Willard Street Apartments community.

Celebrating the Communities DHIC Supports

These events were a celebration of community, collaboration, and connection. DHIC and its partners are committed to continuing these efforts, ensuring that residents feel supported, heard, and part of a safe, welcoming environment.