Welcome to the neighborhood

The Housing Authority is hosting the National Night Out event tonight. The goal is to strengthen community relations in hopes of preventing crime.

This event took seven months to prepare. It was originally started by the neighborhood watch. This year, the Housing Authority will hold the event in four different locations.

Music, local vendors, food and entertainment are expected. The housing authority owns each location.

“Studies show that when neighbors know each other, when they have developed relationships with each other they look out for each other. And crime rates go down within communities and so that’s our whole biz, that people will come together, have an evening of fun and enjoy each other. Develop those relationships and friendships and they’ll start looking out for each other. With that happening crime rates drop,” said Sunny Shaw, executive director of the Housing Authority.

The community is encouraged to get out and mingle with neighbors. If you would like to attend, the fun starts at 7 p.m. and will last until 9 tonight.

The Idaho Falls Police Department is also hosting a similar event tomorrow.