Hope is a precious commodity. In response Mary Anna Towler's "Our Generational Curse" (Urban Journal, September 23), it is understandable that the frustration and pain over the shooting death of teenager Camry McKnight could lead to a feeling that we have lost our will to deal with violence and the embedded poverty that lies behind much of the violence.

In fact, some people who live around the block of the shooting say they feel that Rochester has abandoned them. Yes, the Children's Zone - Surround Care effort had to close its doors, but there are several groups who are completely invested in building our community back to being that place where we are all proud of and feel safe to be in.

RiseUpRochester, with its major partners in Camp Good Days and Special Times, the police and fire Departments, City Recreation, Pathways to Peace, and the members of the Violence Intervention Coalition will hold another Project TIPS, in the heart of this community. On Friday, October 9, from 3 to 7 p.m., a project TIPS will be held using the corner of Hudson and Northeast as the epicenter. This collaborative effort brings people out of their homes so they can talk with their neighbors, take back their streets, and organize.

Rochester has the assets and the will to end the violence. Come out and be a part of the positive action. Rochester has the will and we have the leadership; we just need to work together to make it happen.

JED METZGER, Brighton

Metzger is an assistant professor of social work at NazarethCollege and is vice chair of the board of directors of RiseUpRochester.