Adopt a MAX Stop

Tri Met approached the leadership of Clear Creek Church, the group that began Compassion Connect (more about that in another post). The transportation group told them, "Our MAX train stop at 162nd and Burnside has a lot of violence and criminal activity, and it is a blight on the community."

The leadership looked at each other and then at the Tri Met representative.  "Yes, we know that," they replied.

The Tri Met representative said, "We want you to do something about it."

The leadership of this local church was dumbfounded.  How can a congregation do anything to combat violence or poverty in the region?  They were overwhelmed as anyone.  But in response to the request from TriMet, they decided to put their heads together and ask their congreation and see if there were any ideas.

They decided to hand out hot cocoa on Friday nights, the most active time for 162nd and Burnside.  Enough hungry people came by they decided to hand out chili as well.

And, lo and behold, the crime rate reduced considerably.

Now Tri Met and the local community would like to increase this already successful program by encouraging local organizations to "Adopt a MAX Stop".

Frankly, much of the worst crime occurs at MAX stops in our community, and if we can have a positive local presence at the busiest times of the busiest street corners, then change will happen.  We don't necessarily more of a security presence, which can be seen as  threat, but just a group of concerned folks who will talk to people and create community.  Connection and relationship brings peace.


If you are interested in the Adopt-A-MAX Stop Program, please attend the monthly meetings.  They are held at 6pm on the third Friday of the month at Lifegate Baptist Church (208 SE 148th, just south of the 148th Avenue Station).  If you'd like more information about these meetings, please contact Mike Vander Veen at  mike@secondstories.org