A Public Crisis Demands a Civic Response
2021-2022
Record Homicides
Philadelphia records an unprecedented homicide rate, prompting action from civic leaders. They acknowledged their lack of direct knowledge of gun violence, but shared a powerful understanding: the crisis was too vast for government or community organizations to tackle alone.
2021-2022
The Philadelphia Foundation and the William Penn Foundation join forces
…with the Urban Affairs Coalition, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Equity Alliance to deepen their knowledge about the city’s gun violence crisis and seek solutions. Together they unite around the belief that all sectors of society must play a part in making Philadelphia a safer city.
2021-2022
They engage national subject matter experts
…to deepen their understanding and learn from other cities that reducing gun violence requires a shared commitment, coordinated action directed at the individuals at the highest risk of gun violence. Cities with a unified, cross-sector strategy see notable reductions in gun violence within 6-12 months, underscoring the importance of immediate intervention.
2021-2022
By prioritizing intervention-based strategies
…and aligning resources across public and private sectors, they aim to make a meaningful impact on the city’s safety, and launch the Civic Coalition to Save Lives.
2023
Stakeholder Engagement
Over 1,000 stakeholders are educated on effective, evidence-based strategies to combat gun violence, emphasizing the need for coordinated intervention.
2023
Establishment of Key Structures
- Gun Violence Intervention Coordination Center (GVICC): Created to streamline intervention efforts citywide, supporting and coordinating resources for effective operations. The GVICC officially opens in August, staffed with three full-time team members.
- Community Safety Civic Resource Board: The board launches a Re-grant Fund, providing $700,000 in financial support to bolster hospital and community-based gun violence intervention programs.
2023
Early Successes
Approximately one-third of high-risk individuals are engaged in intervention programs, demonstrating the impact of focused strategies.
2023
The Coalition marks its first year
…with a forum for business and civic leaders and early funders to update and re-engage them in contributing to collaborative intervention efforts. The event featured a panel discussion among those closest to intervention work – highlighting the coordination efforts between law enforcement, Philadelphia Group Violence Intervention, hospital-based violence intervention programs, and case management support in delivering services to the high risk population.
2024
Homicide Reduction Milestone
Philadelphia’s homicide rate shows a significant decline.
2024
Intervention efforts continue to save lives.
The intervention work must continue.
