NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — An organization aimed at ensuring New Yorkers feel safe getting around the city has announced that its services have expanded to offer more coverage in Manhattan.
Those who don’t feel safe getting around the city can request an escort from SafeWalks NYC and two volunteer chaperones will be sent out to meet the person and accompany them on their walk.
"I think it's really heartening to see that there are so many New Yorkers who are ready to step up and keep their community safe," said Vickie Miu, a team lead with SafeWalks NYC. "Our community is looking out for each other."
According to the organization, it now has enough volunteers to cover all of Manhattan below 59th Street after only kicking off in January.
The organization started in response to a series of attacks that took place in the Morgan Avenue subway station in Bushwick.
Miu is happy to see the organization expand, but says it’s a sign "that our city and our system has failed us."
"Our government is meant to keep us safe and they haven't done so," Miu said. "People don't feel safe walking around."
Volunteers must undergo a training process.
"Newer team members will accompany more experienced team members on a safe walk before they can sort of lead a safe walk of their own," Miu said. "We put a lot of thought and care into our process, which is mostly the reason that we haven't expanded to other regions yet."
In two to three months, it hopes to have a team in every borough.