West Cook News

The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC) has announced a significant investment of $100 million to enhance community violence intervention (CVI) programs across Chicago and the surrounding region. This initiative, formed in 2021, aims to strengthen community safety through collaboration between state, county, and city government partners.

Lanetta Haynes Turner, Chief of Staff for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, highlighted the collaborative nature of this effort: “This unprecedented intergovernmental collaboration is bringing targeted resources and deep support to our communities. We’re proud to work together to bring these grant opportunities to organizations making an impact in community violence intervention.”

The funding initiative will provide approximately $57 million for programmatic CVI funding through two main grants. These are available via the Reimagine Violence Prevention Services Program from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Lead Organization for Expanding Capacity for Street Outreach and Violence Interruption Services sponsored by the City of Chicago.

Additionally, a $2.5 million fund is allocated for creating a centralized Capacity Building Network for Community Safety. Sponsored by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, this network will support organizations serving vulnerable communities at high risk of gun violence.

Quiwana Bell from the Illinois Department of Human Services stated, “Every life lost to gun violence leaves a lasting impact on our communities. Through this initiative, we are investing in solutions that center on the people most impacted.” She emphasized that their mission is not only about reducing immediate threats but also building safer futures.

The City of Chicago plans to administer up to $11.6 million through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process aimed at expanding street outreach and violence interruption services. CDPH Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige noted that "violence is one of the top three drivers of the racial life expectancy gap for Black Chicagoans."

Delrice Adams from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority remarked on supporting local organizations: "Community organizations are vitally important in identifying and addressing local violence prevention and intervention needs." The focus will be on building effective programs with comprehensive training and resource provision.

Since its inception, GASC has facilitated public investments totaling nearly $350 million towards enhancing community safety efforts in partnership with various governmental bodies.

For more information on funding opportunities provided by GASC, interested parties can visit ILGovAlliance.org.