After two homicides less than two weeks apart, residents in one east Charlotte neighborhood said police are not doing enough to make them feel safe.

There have been three shootings in the Grier Heights community in the last two weeks. Two men are dead and residents said the violence is getting worse.

Ronald Martin, 20, was shot and killed on his mother's front porch on April 30. Police do not have a suspect.

A few days later -- and a few streets over -- Torey Williams was shot in the neck and nearly killed.

On Saturday night, Nakio Cousart was shot and killed on Zircon Street.

Detectives said they have a person of interest in that homicide, but no one has been arrested.

Police said in the wake of the violence, officers are stepping up patrols and working to improve communication with residents.

Local pastor Wanda Gipson is planning an anti-violence rally on Thursday night. She said there are many law-abiding families who feel threatened and intimidated by this latest wave of violence.

"They don't have a voice. They're stuck. And we need to do something," Gipson said.

Gipson said she wants people from other neighborhoods to attend the rally, especially if they've lost loved ones due to shootings or gang violence.

"Any mother, especially with this being Mother's Day, can feel that pain that another mother is going through," she said.

Homeowners said there is an ever-present threat of violence in Grier Heights, and drug dealing and gang activity is spreading street-by-street.

Ed Calhoun said police are not doing enough to make him feel safe.

"There's a lot more activity in Grier Heights, in that end of the neighborhood, and it's moving this way more," Calhoun said.

Several police cars patrolled the neighborhood Sunday night, but residents said they would like to see more bike or foot patrols. They think officers could interact better with residents and people passing through the neighborhood.

The Grier Heights rally will be Thursday night at 6 p.m. on Sam Drennan Road.

Residents are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets.