MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Language barriers have stood in the way of the Hispanic community getting information and resources in Montgomery.
Community stakeholders met Wednesday evening to discuss efforts to break the barrier, which will play a part in addressing crime that has targeted Hispanic-owned businesses, including the June 4 triple homicide at Tienda los Hermanos.
“I believe this is a really good thing that they’re having these meetings, and this will help out the business owners,” said Nelson Narvez, owner of the ice cream shop La Moraleja.
Government agencies like the Montgomery Police Department are working to translate information from English to Spanish, which acting Chief John Hall says he hopes will build a relationship with the community. The acting chief said it takes visiting them at their businesses and events regularly and not just answering their calls for help.
“We all know we’re short, so we’re not there as often as we want to be, but We’re trying to make that big adjustment so they can see us, and they can be a part of us,” said Hall.
The Hispanic community hopes their efforts also improve cooperation with other non-English speakers who live and work in Montgomery.
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