Preventing Crime Through Community

By Robin Keating

Poverty can exacerbate crime, but it doesn’t have to. A sense of urgency, a rise in anxiety, and even a wrong expectation of what it takes to be content can all play into the feeling that there is no other choice. Even a loss of hope and purpose in life can contribute to crime.

At Love INC, one of the first and best ways we respond to neighbors who call in is through active listening. Many are calling us as their last hope for help. That tells me that they may be feeling desperate—possibly contemplating choices they would never have entertained in the past. Or, they may be starting to rationalize a poor choice. But we are rarely going to know that when someone is in need. We never assume, we simply listen.

Having conversations that divert people from quick, temporary ways out of their challenging situation often keeps them from landing in another one. Many times, they are looking for direction and resources. Typically, at Love INC, we help the caller process their current dilemma, explore how they arrived at that point, and point them in the right direction. It might look like asking questions such as: “Is this the first time you have faced this challenge? If this need was met, what is your next step? Who are the people in your life that are available to support you in this situation?”

As a trained volunteer assesses different areas of health with the caller, they can begin to affirm the good and difficult choices that are already being made. Encouraging preventative steps is another way a volunteer may support the individual during the conversation. Referring the caller to the Healthy Habits program is a deeper way to bring prevention and even sustainability.

This holistic program allows for a safe space and time to assess areas of life that may have been overlooked. These areas are often neglected due to chronic material or immediate need. Becoming healthy in relationships—with friends, family, and God—begins to inform and strengthen other areas of life.

At Love INC, our mission doesn’t just address physical needs—it creates pathways that prevent poverty from becoming a gateway to crime. By building relational support, offering transformative programming, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth, we interrupt cycles of desperation. Instead of isolation and reaction, we offer connection and restoration. In this way, Love INC acts as a safeguard—equipping individuals to make life-giving choices that benefit not only themselves but the broader community as well.