PHILADELPHIA SEES LOWEST HOMICIDE RATE IN NINE YEARS, WITH A 38% DROP IN GUN DEATHS
| This year, Philadelphia has seen the fewest killings in nine years, according to the Philadelphia Police Department. And year-to-date, the city has recorded 38% fewer homicides than last year. Philadelphia has seen a significant drop in homicides this year compared to the same period last year – even in the summer months when gun violence typically surges. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says this summer the numbers have drastically reduced from last year’s. Why is summer typically violent? Experts say the heat, increased social interaction and the disruption of routines, especially among youth when school is out are factors in summer violence. What caused the decrease? In an interview with KYW Newsradio, Bethel credited funding for community programs; the increase in the number of cases they’re solving, which leads to fewer retaliatory shootings; and deploying more foot patrol officers to high crime districts. |
EMIR TO HOST ANNUAL DAY OF HOPE
| On Saturday, September 21 the EMIR Healing Center will host its annual Day of Hope. The event is dedicated to family, friends, and neighbors who have lost loved ones to gun violence, as well as the community crisis responders who provide trauma support in the aftermath. Location: MLK High School, 6100 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138 Time: 12-3 PM Admission: Free and open to the public Honoring Lives Lost and Offering Support Formerly known as the Day of Remembrance, the Day of Hope honors those who have lost their lives to gun violence and showcases community resources available to help those left behind thrive and live after suffering traumatic loss. What to Expect at the Event More than 350 survivors of gun violence are expected to attend the Day of Hope, which includes: 30 Vendors: Providing food, entertainment, and opportunities for healing and life-improving change. Trauma-Informed Care Organizations: Such as Dance the Pain Away and Healing through Art. Local Businesses: Offering jobs, skills development, and specialized services like record expungement, all aimed at providing access to better, more stable circumstances. Support the Cause To donate or help sponsor the Day of Hope or the EMIR Healing Center, use the QR code in the image above or visit the registration page and click on the sponsor option. |
| Growing Capacity and Infrastructure In the past few years, EMIR has been expanding its capacity, infrastructure, and outreach efforts to meet the needs of Philadelphians closest to the gun violence crisis. Staff Growth: 18 counselors and therapists 12 trauma support and wellness coordinators Technological Investments: Adoption of the City’s case management system for better service coordination Development of a comprehensive, web-based resource guide for easy access to trauma support Collaborative Partnerships and Supportive Care EMIR continues to strengthen partnerships with key institutions to enhance support for individuals affected by gun violence. Temple University’s Hospital Violence Intervention Program Philadelphia Housing Authority: Collaboration on a new program to help young people living in shelters find stable living environments. |
“We were able to help one gentleman who used his money—including that month’s rent—to bury his son who had been shot and killed. This father has been working every day turning his life around and has become a credible messenger offering hope. We were able to get him a check the very next day so he and his family could stay in their home.” She continued, offering appreciation for the role the Coalition has played in supporting EMIR’s efforts. “Estelle Richman and the Civic Coalition to Save Lives have been a blessing, helping our nonprofit in North Philadelphia fill in the gaps.”
Chantay Love, Co-founder of EMIR
Healing the Healers EMIR hosted a Heal the Healers retreat, designed for support staff, therapists, and trauma coordinators to manage the stress and trauma they bear witness to in every painful form. Plans are also underway to offer support and positive coping strategies to Police Officers experiencing first-responder trauma. EMIR & the Civic Coalition to Save Lives Partnership The Civic Coalition has provided unrestricted grants to organizations like EMIR and other intervention programs, initiatives and models that help stop and prevent gun violence, giving access to funding to address unexpected needs. |
$56.5 MILLION IN STATE GRANT FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO COMBAT GUN VIOLENCE AND EXPAND YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has announced $56.5 million in grants to reduce gun violence and create more afterschool opportunities for youth in underserved communities. This includes $45 million for the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program and $11.5 million for the new BOOST (Building Opportunity through Out of School Time) program.
These grants will support local organizations working to provide safe, supportive environments and reduce violence. Eligible groups can apply by October 31, 2024. For more information on applying and upcoming informational webinars, visit the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Gun Violence Grants and Funding webpage.
COALITION INVESTS MORE THAN $800,000 IN INTERVENTION INITIATIVES
| Grants recently made include the following organizations: |
 Eddie’s House provides housing in addition to support services for young Black men most likely to shoot or be shot. Use: Refining their housing program Amount: $30,000 |
 The Philadelphia Housing Authority Use: The Coalition and PHA will provide 30 housing units for young men and their families involved in gun violence. This funding covers the first year, with future allocations dependent on available funds. Amount: $271,000 |
 Beat the Block is a paid training program hosted by Culture Changing Christians to help high-risk men ages 18-24 overcome the challenges of environments that can lead to violence, crime and trauma and accomplish their personal and professional goals. Use: Support workforce initiatives Amount: $125,000 |
 EMIR Healing Center advocates, educates, and supports individuals, families, and communities impacted by violent crimes. Use: Enhance IT system and to join the City’s case management system Amount: $50,000 |
 Penn Community Violence Intervention Program at Penn Presbyterian provides trauma-informed violence interruption services to youth and young adults in West and Southwest Philadelphia. Use: Housing supports, personal supports for clients and staff wellness activities Amount: $75,000 |
 Temple’s Trauma Victim Support Advocates Program places crisis responders in the emergency department 24/7 to help patients and their family members immediately following a violent injury and connect them to community supports. Use: Housing supports, personal supports for clients and staff wellness activities Amount: $100,000 |
 Trauma Intervention Program at Jefferson Einstein Medical Center provides hospital and community support to those who have been violently injured. It offers case management that includes support with medical care, mental health support, legal assistance and educational help. Use: Housing supports, personal supports for clients and staff wellness activities Amount: $75,000 To date, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives’ Regrant Committee has provided nearly $1.6 million in grants to organizations engaged in gun violence intervention. |
CIVIC COALITION AND CITY PARTNER WITH PENN TO EVALUATE P3 PILOT
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives and the City of Philadelphia Office of Public Safety are collaborating with Penn’s Crime and Justice Policy Lab (CJP) to evaluate the City’s Pushing Progress Philly (P3) pilot program.
Based on the successful READI Chicago model, the year-old program pairs high-risk young men with meaningful behavioral supports and economic opportunities. The Nicetown Community Development Corporation handles outreach and engagement, Impact Services provides therapeutic and job support, and EDSI covers administrative services.
CJP, with its extensive experience in program evaluations and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy programs, is leading the project and is working in partnership with Temple and Drexel Universities.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON AND SEN. HAYWOOD VISIT P3
| Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Pennsylvania State Senator Art Haywood recently visited Pushing Progress Philly (P3) in Nicetown to meet with program leaders and participants. |
| While there, the elected officials discussed and learned about employment challenges after incarceration, the need for viable pathways to family-sustaining jobs, and the importance of intervention in reducing gun violence. |
| Led by the Office of Public Safety, the intervention model offers 12–18 months of group and individual support. Afterward, case managers help participants transition to self-sufficiency. The Civic Coalition to Save Lives, awarded a $25,000 grant to P3 in 2024 to support the program. |