HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant push to curb the surge of gun violence plaguing communities, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee has earmarked $40 million for organizations dedicated to violence intervention and prevention. This latest round of funding, part of the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grant program, aims to empower 64 organizations across the Commonwealth with the resources needed to tackle this pressing issue head-on.
Since its inception in 2021, the VIP grant program has been a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s strategy against gun and group-related violence, distributing approximately $185 million across 256 projects. These initiatives range from street outreach and violence interruption efforts to victim services and neighborhood revitalization projects, reflecting a comprehensive approach to building safer communities.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of the PCCD, praised the program’s impact during his visits to various grant recipient organizations. “The work being done by these groups is vital to our communities. Their innovative approaches to violence prevention are not just making a difference; they are saving lives,” Davis remarked. The lieutenant governor also expressed eagerness to engage with new grant recipients and learn about their contributions to violence intervention efforts statewide.
This funding announcement follows a commitment by the Shapiro-Davis Administration to enhance public safety and reduce community violence, a pledge supported by a bipartisan budget agreement that secured the $40 million for FY 2023-24 VIP grants. Governor Shapiro has proposed an additional $37.5 million for the program in the next fiscal year, signifying a continued investment in these life-saving initiatives.
Eligible applicants for the grants include a broad spectrum of entities, from community-based and nonprofit organizations to educational institutions and local government offices. This year, a significant portion of the funds were allocated to prevention programming, highlighting a shift towards proactive measures like youth mentoring and after-school activities. Remarkably, 77 percent of the projects funded this round have gone to organizations new to the VIP grant program, demonstrating the administration’s effort to diversify and expand its reach. Moreover, 91 percent of the approved projects represent community-based organizations, underscoring a grassroots approach to addressing violence.
Among the funded projects, one standout initiative is the Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) project in Allentown. This effort aims to foster collaborative strategies for gun violence prevention and response, expanding upon the foundation laid by five previously awarded CCVI pilot sites across Pennsylvania.
The VIP grant program’s ongoing success and expansion reflect Pennsylvania’s holistic and inclusive strategy to combat gun violence. By investing in community-led solutions and supporting innovative prevention models, the state is laying the groundwork for a future where communities can thrive free from the fear of violence. As these programs unfold, the hope is that they will not only mitigate the immediate threats but also address the underlying issues fueling violence, paving the way for lasting peace and security across Pennsylvania.
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