As Philadelphia celebrates a dramatic 40 percent decrease in gun violence over the past year, with its lowest homicide rate since 2013, now is not the time to declare victory. The number of gun-related deaths remains far too high.
“The 11 shootings over the weekend, resulting in 24 people being shot and four killed, are yet another stark reminder that, despite progress in reducing gun violence, the crisis remains urgent and deeply personal. We cannot afford to become complacent. Addressing gun violence requires collective resolve, compassion, and sustained action from all of us.“
— David W. Brown, Executive Director, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives
This is not a moment for complacency—it is a time to double down and support the Parker Administration in delivering on its vision for a safer Philadelphia. To sustain momentum and drive further action, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives has launched a revitalized website and released its 2024 Impact Report.
The progress of the past year reflects a multi-faceted strategy that includes prevention, enforcement, and intervention. Among these, intervention has proven to have impactful reductions in gun violence in the fastest amount of time — in as little as 12-36 months.
The Coalition serves to support dedicated intervention partners—city leaders, community-based organizations, hospital-based violence intervention programs, and law enforcement—who provide critical resources to help individuals heal, rebuild their lives, and create purpose and opportunity.
This pivotal moment calls for continued engagement. The newly launched website and Impact Report offer deeper insights into the intervention strategies driving these life- saving outcomes and aim to inspire action from all Philadelphians committed to reducing gun violence.
The data confirms that Philadelphia is moving in the right direction, but much more remains to be done. Sustaining this progress will require the collective efforts of the entire community.
Explore the Civic Coalition to Save Lives’ website and 2024 Impact Report to learn more about the work underway and discover ways to support these critical initiatives. Together, Philadelphia can save lives, create safer neighborhoods, and achieve a lasting impact for generations to come.
A Newsworthy Impact:
– A coalition of residents, government, community and civic partners have helped turn the page on gun violence
– The Philadelphia Inquirer
Philly’s Civic Coalition to Save Lives releases impact report – The Philadelphia Tribune
Vibrant and Symbolic, The Civic Coalition To Save Lives Logo Marks the Organization’s Future
With a new year on the horizon and gun violence continuing to trend downward, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives unveiled its first branded logo. The design features three silhouettes set against Philadelphia’s iconic Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom and independence, a resounding call to action and a poignant reminder of humanity’s imperfection, resilience, and strength.
The Liberty Bell’s crack forms the background silhouette of a man with two smaller, non-gender-specific silhouettes layered on top, representing the multi-generational impact of gun violence, the
reverberating healing potential of intervention, and the Coalition’s unified, collaborative mission. While the crack defines the profiles, it also serves as their focal point. It is emblematic of how the high-risk individuals involved in intervention programs are confronting their complicated histories, hopeful as they look ahead. At the same time, the brokenness in the imagery is representative of how the Coalition works to fill critical gaps in gun violence intervention efforts. Also embedded in the logo is a subtle nod to Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with gold, silver, or platinum that celebrates imperfections as part of an object’s history and beauty.
The vibrant branding palette combines the bold energy of rich, autumnal orange – a color associated with gun violence awareness – along with a lively blue and the vitality of earthy green. Complementary accent hues of brown and violet help ground the brightness of the colorway.
“New leadership and a new year fast approaching is an opportunity to establish a brand identity,” said David W. Brown, the Civic Coalition to Save Lives executive director. “Two years into the collaborative endeavor, it’s time to invest more in how we communicate both the work we do and the ongoing efforts to sustain intervention efforts. The logo is a beautiful reflection of the purpose and vision of this powerful public- private partnership.”
The logo and branding are the work of Tracy Agostarola, an award-winning graphic designer and Assistant Professor of Instruction at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication Department of Advertising and Public Relations. With a deep personal connection to the work of gun violence intervention, Tracy offered her talent and expertise at a steep discount.
“My father died from an accidental gunshot,” said Tracy. “Being able to contribute my skills to a cause that seeks to prevent such tragedies is both an honor and a way to create meaningful change for others.”
The City of Philadelphia Launches New Intervention Effort
On November 1, 2024, The city’s Office of Safe Neighborhoods (OSN), part of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Public Safety (OPS), announced the launch of a new Group Violence Intervention Juvenile (GVIJ) program for high risk youth 12-17 years old in one of a high-crime area of North Philadelphia. Building on the successful model of the city’s Group Violence Intervention program (GVI), led by GVI Director Deion Sumpter and the Office of Safe Neighborhood’s Executive Director Shondell Revell, GVIJ is an evidence-based intervention strategy and collaborative partnership between the Philadelphia Office of Public Safety, the Philadelphia Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Office of Probation & Parole, credible messengers from the community, and a dedicated group of volunteer moral messengers, the majority of whom are mothers who have lost family to gun violence.
The GVIJ launch announcement reinforces the Mayoral Administration’s commitment to investing in intervention, even as Philadelphia’s homicide rate continues to decline.
“I believe in recognizing what works and improving upon it,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “GVI is a program that works and only continues to get better because of the leadership of Deion Sumpter and Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer. Demonstrating what city government can look like when all of us work together, GVI is a testament to my administration’s commitment to building real and lasting connections between Philadelphians and their government to enhance public safety.”
News of the newly launched program sparked media coverage by multiple outlets reporting a 40% decrease in homicides compared to the same period in November 2023, bringing the city’s homicide rate to its lowest since 2013.
In a story by 6abc, city officials attribute this decline to a comprehensive strategy encompassing prevention, intervention, and enforcement. While the developments are encouraging, city leaders echo the need for continued efforts to sustain and further these positive trends.
Philadelphia Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer acknowledged the work still to be done, a sentiment reinforced by Mayor Cherelle Parker. “We need to continue pressing forward with our comprehensive approach, which is prevention, intervention, and enforcement,” said Parker.
In the same news report on 6abc, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel recognized the positive impact of community-led efforts coupled with good police work saying, “We cannot do this work ourselves. You cannot solve the issues standing and looking down into the well, you have to get in the well, and get to work.”
November Intervention News Highlights the City’s 40 Percent Drop in Homicides:
Office of Public Safety’s Group Violence Intervention Initiative (GVI) Launches Juvenile Program in Philadelphia (11/1/24)
Philadelphia homicide rate drops to lowest point in over a decade (6abc 11/1/24)
Philadelphia Shootings Have Dropped to Pre-Pandemic Levels (The Trace 11/14/24)
Philadelphia homicide rate keeps falling in 2024, new data shows (Axios 11/19/24)
Working Together for Brighter Futures:
Eddie’s House, a Doorway to Re-imagined Possibilities
Eddie’s House is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a lifeline for young adults and community members facing challenges like housing insecurity, unemployment, and the transition out of foster care. Eddie’s House, which was founded on the principles of empowerment, education, and community, operates with a straightforward yet powerful belief: everyone deserves a chance to thrive. The organization offers tailored programs for individuals aged 18 to 27, providing a continuum of care that includes transitional housing, career development, and life coaching. These services are designed to help build a foundation for brighter futures.
The Cornerstone (North Philadelphia) and the ABLE Center (West Philadelphia), are Eddie’s House’s dedicated hubs for youth and community support, actively serving as beacons of hope. The center provides access to vital resources, including a computer lab, workshops, food and clothing assistance, all designed to help participants effectively face life’s challenges. The Cornerstone is a drop-in community center geared toward youth who are homeless or transitioning out of the foster care system.
“We believe in the power of education and compassion to transform lives,” said Marion Campbell, executive director and co-founder of Eddie’s House. “By equipping people with the resources they need and fostering a supportive environment, we help them envision and achieve a better future.”
Eddie’s House has made a significant impact over the past five months. With support from a grant the Civic Coalition to Save Lives awarded, the organization has helped 20 individuals secure housing, assisted 30 people in finding meaningful employment, and enabled seven young adults to earn their high school diplomas. Each of these achievements represents a crucial step toward long-term success.
These accomplishments highlight Eddie’s House’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change within the community. By partnering with organizations, community groups, vocational schools and nonprofits, including the Urban League, OIC Philadelphia, Achievability, as well as the City’s Office of Reentry Partnerships and Pushing Progress Philly (P3) – another Coalition grant recipient – Eddie’s House continues to expand its reach. The organization connects participants with paid training programs, apprenticeships, and pathways to economic empowerment.
Progress at Eddie’s House is driven by unwavering determination and innovative problem-solving. Many individuals they serve face significant challenges, often starting with no income or stable housing. However, Eddie’s House approaches each situation with patience and compassion.
Building trust is central to their work, and the organization celebrates each milestone as a step toward greater self-sufficiency. Their commitment to hiring professionals with “lived experience” adds another layer of authenticity and connection, ensuring that participants feel recognized and supported. “Change takes time, but every step forward is a victory worth celebrating,” Campbell said.
The success of Eddie’s House reflects the combined efforts of a dedicated community. Staff, volunteers, donors, and partners all play crucial roles in realizing its mission. Through financial contributions, volunteering their time and expertise, or providing essential supplies, their support empowers young adults and nurtures a thriving community. “When we come together to uplift one another, our entire community grows stronger,” said Campbell. “Together, we are creating opportunities for every young adult not just to survive, but to truly thrive.”
To learn more, visit eddieshouse.org.
Beat The Block Graduation
Beat The Block graduates proudly celebrate completing this transformative program. Led by Culture Changing Christians, Beat The Block provides personal and professional development for high-risk men aged 18 to 24. Through paid training, mentorship, and business support, the program helps participants see alternatives to behaviors that put them at high-risk of being involved in gun violence, equipping them with the tools needed to build brighter futures.
