The Greater Philadelphia YMCA received a $223,520 grant to support the implementation and management of Gun Violence Prevention Initiatives across Columbia North, Christian Street, and West Philadelphia YMCA branches. The programs will vary for each branch, however, they will consist of monthly two-hour weekend activities, speakers, or seminars that encourage discussion, life skills, creative expression, or community support. The goal is to create a cohort of 15-25 participants who can engage in a safe, supportive space and connect with community-based experts and resources.
To recognize the importance of the grant and the additional funds available to Philadelphia community groups who share the same mission of ending gun violence, we hosted state and local lawmakers to discuss Violence Intervention and Prevention funding. Read the full press release about program below.
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September 23, 2021 - Governor Tom Wolf today joined state lawmakers at the West Philadelphia YMCA to remind communities and organizations that $24 million in state funding is available to address community violence.
“We cannot overstate how painful and damaging gun violence is to our communities. The fear, stress, and grief gun violence leaves in its wake hurts every member of our communities,” Gov. Wolf said. “This funding will provide communities and organizations with resources to implement or support programs that are tackling community violence. I’m grateful to those who are taking steps every day to keep their communities safe and I urge them to apply for this opportunity.”
As administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) funding is intended to support effective local intervening and preventative measures to stop gun and group violence in regions that are experiencing high rates of violent crime.
Community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, municipalities, district attorneys, and counties are eligible to apply. Awards will range from maximum budgets of $50,000 to $2,000,000 for project periods spanning up to two years (24 months). Awards are tiered to reflect the applicant’s size and service area. More detailed information about the application process can be found in the Violence Prevention and Intervention (VIP) Funding Announcement on PCCD’s website. The deadline to apply is October 15.
“Gun violence has been labeled a public health crisis, some would say a public health emergency, and as such we need to coordinate resources and treat it as such,” said state Representative Donna Bullock. “Last week there was an afterschool shooting just mere steps from my 10-year-old son’s school, and an early morning shooting in the schoolyard of the elementary school near my home. As a member of the Governor’s School Safety and Security Committee, I am committed to getting state resources out to those on the frontlines of this public health crisis quickly and efficiently.”