Editors note: The two GWC residents quoted in this story declined to have their names in the story.

For purposes of clarity, we have assigned them names. Again, for their protection, the Times-Journal stresses that these are not their real names.

Some children at George Washington Carver Homes don’t play outside.

While their friends play outside, they stay locked safely away because their parents fear the devastation that travels in the wake of a stray bullet.

“It’s always someone fighting, shooting,” said Geanna. “I don’t feel comfortable letting my son go outside.”

Those fears haven’t been eased.

The neighborhood continues to suffer from frequent gun blasts, two of which wounded a pair of 14-year-old girls visiting a friend at GWC.

One girl was grazed in the face and the other was shot in the back of the head.

What scares these parents is the fact that neither were the targets, according police.

Geanna has lived in GWC homes for three years, and in that time, she and her friends have seen enough. They believe their children are safer indoors.

One of Geanna’s neighbors, Rebbecca, recalled an incident when her child was caught in the middle of a gunfight at the playground.

A quick scan of the police blotter reveals an alarming number of crimes at GWC. There are frequent reports of gunfire.

“You have to worry about things like that when you have kids,” Geanna said.

One of the primary causes for crime in any place is poverty, and GWC has its share. Many of its residents qualify for state and federal assistance from the Section 8 HUD program. However, the GWC’s crime-infestation can’t simply be explained away by poverty.

Housing officials say none of the city’s seven housing developments – GWC, Felix Heights, Rangedale, Rangedale Annex, Valley Creek, Magnolia Court and Cloverdale – have a crime rate anywhere near GWC.

Selma Housing Authority Executive Director Johnny Moss offers a few answers to the problem.

Moss believes a likely reason for GWC’s crime rate is its location. He pointed out that GWC is in a central location, providing for quick access to the downtown area and other parts of the city.

“The location is a thoroughfare, its centrally located,” he said.

But, Moss is realistic enough to know the problem goes deeper than location.

“It’s a new generation,” he said. “I can remember growing up and we used to hang out at GWC homes, and we didn’t have that type of criminal element. That new generation has no respect for society or themselves. We’re just going to have to roll up our sleeves and help them.”

Moss said the problem continues to grow.

At least one resident agrees. “It’s gotten worse. They shoot out there every night,” Rebbecca said.

According to police, non-residents commit most of the crime.

The Selma Housing Authority has a strict policy against criminal activity by any of its residents in any of their housing developments.

Anyone caught committing a crime or convicted of a crime is evicted.

Police Chief Robert Green said his department has had very few problems with the actual residents of the development.

“We have no problems with the residents,” he said. “(The non-residents), they’re the ones causing all the problems.”

Geanna offered a solution.

“I think they need to get some type of gate that runs around the whole complex,” she said.

Moss, however said that gating the community isn’t an option.

“Those are public streets,” he said. “It’s very impossible to do that.”

Moss does have several ideas in mind for improving security in the community.

One includes putting video cameras into place.

“We’ve begun a five-year plan for capital improvements,” he said. “We’re going to be looking at some security cameras, (and) the areas where we can approve lighting.”

Moss also wants to put more police officers in the area.

“We’re looking into the possibility of providing a police substation,” he said.

GWC already has a precinct, manned by off-duty officers, whose salaries are paid by the Selma Housing Authority.

Only one officer works at a time, and only six-days a week, according to Moss.

Geanna doesn’t feel like this is enough.

“The police don’t feel safe out here themselves,” she said. “So what does that mean?”

Until something changes, Geanna and Rebecca will continue worrying and they’re kids will stay locked inside as much as possible.

Geanna keeps the lights on at her house at all times. Like some wait out the thunder of a passing storm, when the firing starts, Geanna listens to the gunshots and worries.

“We’re just so paranoid sometimes,” she said. “That’s why I sleep with my lights on.”

Others, like Rebecca, are counting the days until they can transfer out of GWC homes.

“I’m trying to get out,” she said. “It’s too bad out here.”