"It Takes Unity to Deal With Drug Problems and Crime."

(Columbia) ? Community leaders in the 29203 ZIP code are working together to combat a rising crime problem. They say it all starts with communication.

Belmont Community Association President Sampson Pringle has lived in his neighborhood for 20 years, but says it has recently been on the decline.

?Our community is a great community,? he says. ?But we have gun shots, drug dealing, and people that have no respect for each other?s property.?

Pringle believes it takes neighbors looking out for each other and working with law enforcement to build a solid stand against the crime.

?It takes unity to deal with drug problems and crime, for everybody to be on the same page,? Pringle said.

Together with about 20 other community leaders, he met at Eau Claire High School on Saturday for a meeting about Project Unity. Pringle says it was there that he found more information on how to address the problems his neighbors face.

A group of Eau Claire alumni started Project Unity in September to combat the crime in the 29203 neighborhood?the same ZIP code where a triple murder took place at the Colony Apartments just two weeks ago.

Alumnus Bruce Trezevant says they are hoping that increasing communication between community leaders?pastors, educators, and law enforcers?will bring everyone together to make a unified stance, as opposed to one or two voices speaking out at a time.

?There's so many groups doing so many things and they're all good, but what we needed was communication,? said Trezevant.

?We need to be proactive against gangs, sure, but more so we need to be proactive against crime, period. That?s what we're looking to do,? said Trezevant. ?These are good people. We have bad things happen to us, but we are good people.?

Project Unity?s goals include: 1. Crushing the ever-growing gang issue. 2. Developing a healthy respect for law enforcement (not fear or resentment). 3. Building strong communities. 4. Improving many other issues in our communities.

To find out more on how to become a part of Project Unity and mobilize your neighborhood, visit www.mypeoplespeak.com .