What is Safe Streets?

Safe Streets is a community-based nonprofit that has worked in Pierce County since 1989 to build safe, healthy, and thriving neighborhoods. The organization brings together residents, local leaders, and organizations to strengthen connections, reduce violence, and create positive opportunities for youth and families. With a focus on grassroots organizing, Safe Streets supports neighbors in identifying challenges and working collectively on solutions that make their communities stronger.

What is Safe Streets’ mission and vision?

Safe Streets’ mission is to unite and inspire neighbors, youth, and partners to build safe, healthy, and thriving communities. The vision is a Pierce County where every person feels supported, connected, and empowered to contribute to a safe and vibrant quality of life. All of the organization’s work—whether neighborhood organizing, youth programs, or violence prevention—is guided by this community-driven mission and vision.

How are the organization’s priorities determined and who is Safe Streets accountable to?

Safe Streets’ priorities are shaped directly by the communities it serves. Staff work side-by-side with neighborhood groups and youth to identify pressing concerns, set goals, and design solutions. The organization is accountable first and foremost to the residents of Pierce County, while also maintaining transparency with funders, community partners, and local agencies that support its work.

Is Safe Streets connected to any nationwide organization?

No, Safe Streets is an independent nonprofit rooted in Pierce County. While it collaborates with many local and regional organizations, it is not part of a national network or franchise. All programs are created and led locally, based on the specific needs of Pierce County residents.

How is Safe Streets associated with local government agencies (City of Tacoma, Pierce County Government, Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff Department, etc)?

Safe Streets works in partnership with local governments and law enforcement agencies, but it is not a government program. The organization often collaborates with the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, and law enforcement to share resources, coordinate on public safety initiatives, and strengthen community trust. However, Safe Streets remains an independent nonprofit with its own mission and community-driven priorities.

Is Safe Streets associated with the ADT Home Security program “Safe Streets”?

No, Safe Streets in Pierce County has no connection to ADT or its home security program of the same name. The two organizations are completely separate. Safe Streets is a nonprofit dedicated to community safety, neighborhood organizing, and youth development—not a security company.

Does Safe Streets endorse political candidates and propositions for elections?

No, Safe Streets does not endorse political candidates or ballot propositions. As a nonprofit, the organization remains nonpartisan and focused on bringing people together across differences to strengthen communities. Safe Streets’ work is about fostering collaboration and empowering residents, not politics.

Does Safe Streets have a diversity, equity, and inclusion policy?

Safe Streets promotes culturally competent, community-centered services for neighborhoods resulting in increased representation and collaboration among the diverse communities of Pierce County. 

It is the intent of Safe Streets to include all ethnic, racial, and socio-economic groups at all levels of the organization, including staff and board membership.  The reality is that many communities remain underserved by mainstream institutions.  The aim of Safe Streets is to strengthen advocacy activities in the diverse ethnic, racial, and cultural communities and groups of Pierce County.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to be better organizations. More importantly, we believe that creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.

How can you get involved with Safe Streets?

There are many ways to get involved! You can join or start a neighborhood group, volunteer at youth events, partner on community projects, or attend trainings and workshops. Safe Streets also welcomes residents to participate in countywide events and encourages neighbors to connect with staff to explore opportunities. Every person has a role to play in making Pierce County a safer, healthier place to live.