Investing in Local, Anti-Gun Violence Efforts
Philadelphia Leads in the Highest Reduction in Violent Crime Among Large Cities
Senator Hughes was joined by Representative Morgan Cephas and leaders from Episcopal Community Services to recognize a new round of Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) funding that was awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and celebrate over $870,000 that was awarded to Episcopal Community Services and their program, St. Barnabas, located at 60th and Girard.
“The recipients of these grants, including Episcopal Community Services, are bringing hope and life to communities and we’re seeing positive outcomes of that work. We’ve seen an over 40% reduction in Philadelphia homicides compared to this time last year, and that reduction is the highest of any large city in the country.”
Senator Hughes
Episcopal Community Services (ECS) was awarded 874,042 in the latest round of VIP grant funding to launch a new, comprehensive neighborhood revitalization project focused on violence prevention through residential block cleaning in West Philadelphia.
Senator Hughes led the creation of the VIP grant program in 2018 with fellow Democrats. The goal of the program is to prevent gun violence by investing in community organizations that actively work every day to fight the gun violence epidemic. Since the grant program was started, over $212 million dollars has been awarded to over 250 grassroots organizations.
On the future of the program, Senator Hughes explained, “I’m committed to working with Governor Shapiro and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to make sure more funds are invested to support this important program. I’ll be fighting for at least $100 million in the next budget to ensure that community groups are able to continue their impactful work.”