Building Strong Communities One Block at a Time!

History of Cross the Street

Cross the Street, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by Rhonda Alexia Webb.  It was established to create, foster and enhance the concept of community through various creative initiatives.  One such initiative is ‘Cross the Street Day’, an annual event that builds community as neighbors are encouraged to cross the street and introduce themselves to a neighbor they’ve never met or know very little. This ‘meet your neighbor’ day occurs every third Saturday in the month of May and operates on individual neighborhood blocks.    

Cross the Street Day premiered on Saturday, May 17, 2003 with a Proclamation from the Saginaw City Council designating that day as ‘Cross the Street Day.’  People throughout the city of Saginaw distributed door hangers on their own neighborhood blocks to promote the event and followed them up with brief, friendly visits.  Faith Harvest Church in Saginaw held its first Annual Open House and Neighborhood Cookout to touch the community it serves. 

Since 2003 Cross the Street Day has received Proclamations from; Bridgeport Charter Township, Buena Vista Charter Township, the City of Saginaw, Tittabawassee Township, the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners, and the Saginaw Charter Township.

Articles featuring Cross the Street Day has been frequently written in The Saginaw News, Saginaw Township Times and the Michigan Banner.  It has also been featured on several local television programs: Public Report, Michigan Alive and Soul Issue.

The 5th Year Anniversary of Cross the Street Day was commemorated on May 19, 2007 and received a Special Tribute from the State of Michigan recognizing its 5th Year Anniversary.  The Tribute was presented by then State Representative Andy Coulouris.

The 2008 and 2009 Cross the Street Day was supported by city residents and city & township officials. Cross the Street, Inc. continues to make strides in bringing people together by the simple act of neighborhood friendliness. Its commitment remains the same to build strong communities one block at a time.