It was a striking scene as dozens of people banded together, wrapping themselves along the North Clinton Avenue corridor to provide a clear message to those fighting drug addiction.

Residents, activist groups and agencies came together to stand united against the sale and use of opioids in the North Clinton neighborhood and to remind those struggling that there are organizations ready to help them.

“In that area, we have the highest rate of overdose, we have the highest rates of service calls to 911," said Ida Perez of the Scranton Street Block Club. "It’s time we do something different and take over our streets.”

 “The heroine epidemic is a catastrophe," said Nytia Padilla-Rodriguez, who lives nearby. “It’s been going on in this community for too long and we decided, as a community, we need to be the voice for our children, our families, our neighborhood.”

It was the inaugural event for the No Mas Campaign, organized by the Ibero-American Development Corporation.

“We’re trying to bring everybody together from multiple sectors, to take a comprehensive approach to dealing with the heroin challenge,” said Miguel Melendez, the IADC’s special projects director.

With more than 100 people participating, the message was clear.

“No mas, meaning no more of this time of behavior," said neighbor Alex Castro. "We understand there’s some issues with the folks, and we’re not saying you’re a bad person, but let’s work together to make sure this is not happening here, and if you need help, we’re here to provide that help as well.”

Participants said this is the first demonstration of many.

“We want the safe, thriving neighborhood that we all remember of 30, 40 years ago, and that’s where we want to go, and this is one way of doing that.” Perez said.