The Coalition to Advance Public Safety Announces $1 Million Investment in Los Angeles Grassroots Public Safety Nonprofits to Reduce Community Violence by 15%

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, the Coalition to Advance Public Safety (CAPS), led by four national technical assistance providers–Community Based Public Safety Collective

(CBPSC), Cities United, Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, and National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform) –announced a $1 million investment to support Los Angeles-based community violence intervention (CVI) organizations. The BUILD Program, Community Warriors 4 Peace, Southern California Crossroads, Watts Task Gang Force, Inner City Visions, Soledad Enrichment Action (SEA), Chapter Two, and Advocate 4 Peace & Urban Unity (APUU) have been selected as a part of a national effort to support local CVI efforts and expand critical programming to disrupt cycles of violence, provide resources, and create safer communities. The goal of this multi-year effort is to reduce community violence in LA/certain neighborhoods by 15%. 

“Gun violence continues to impact our country, especially Black and Brown communities, and more than ever, cities are turning to Community Violence Intervention (CVI)— evidence-backed, proven strategies embraced by bipartisan leadership at every level of government—to end this public health crisis,” wrote the leaders of the four CAPS partner organizations in a joint statement. “Since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a significant decrease in gun homicides across the country. CAPS is building on that momentum to support CVI organizations as they develop the infrastructure, processes, and strategies to deliver high-quality programs to those most impacted by violence.”

This announcement marks the coalition’s second major investment in grassroots community violence intervention programs this year, following similar support for organizations in Atlanta working to reduce gun violence. This initiative is part of CAPS’ commitment to reduce community violence by up to 20% in 12 key jurisdictions over five years. Through strategic investments, technical assistance, and infrastructure-building, CAPS and its partners are working to ensure that every jurisdiction has the resources and support needed to build a safer, healthier future for all residents. 

“This year, The city of Los Angeles recorded the lowest homicide since before the pandemic levels.  This speaks to the important work that violence interventionists and law enforcement do every day to make the city safe. CAPS is excited to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) and key CVI organizations to provide funding and technical assistance to strengthen and enhance the city’s public safety ecosystem, making it the safest big city in the country,” said Aqeela Sherrills, CBPSC Co-Founder and Executive Director.

The coalition partners with cities and direct service providers on the frontlines to expand the capacity of under-resourced CVI organizations and support governments that lack stable CVI infrastructure due to inconsistent funding. Cities were selected based on several factors, including homicide and non-fatal shooting rates, readiness for implementation, existing training and technical assistance, and local government support.

Los Angeles joins five other major US cities, including Atlanta, Ga., Baltimore, Md., Baton Rouge, La., and Indianapolis, Ind., engaged in evidence-based, community-centered efforts to reduce gun violence and improve public safety. 

"At Inner City Visions, we believe that true public safety starts with empowering communities. This investment from CAPS strengthens our ability to provide life-changing violence intervention services, ensuring that those most impacted have access to the resources and support they need. We are honored to be part of this collective effort to create safer neighborhoods for all.”– Alfred Lomas, Inner City Visions Founder and Executive Director

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About the Coalition to Advance Public Safety (CAPS)

The Coalition to Advance Public Safety (CAPS) is a collaborative effort focused on reducing near-term violence by expanding and strengthening the community violence intervention (CVI) ecosystem. CAPS is comprised of four national Black-led technical assistance providers to CVI and ecosystem partners, Cities United, the Community-Based Public Safety Collective, the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, and the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. For more updates on CAPS, please visit CAPSinitiative.org. Funding for CAPS to support local CVI organizations comes from Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and Ballmer Group.