Reflections from 2020: Saving Lives from COVID-19 & Gun Violence

This past year has proved the most challenging in the Urban Peace Institute’s history as our work shifted to combat two public health crises: gun violence and COVID-19.

To save the lives of people of color from COVID-19, the Urban Peace Institute supported gang intervention workers as they pivoted from violence interrupters, to virus interrupters. Our work included:

• Providing 400,000 PPE kits to gang intervention agencies and their clients

• Training 250 community health workers to reach underserved communities

• Distributing 2,000 meals to families impacted by COVID-19

We still need support to prevent COVID-19 infection in Black and Brown communities. Learn more about our COVID-19 Emergency Response, and help us prevent further trauma to Black and Brown communities.

In 2020, Los Angeles experienced over 300 homicides, a grim milestone interrupting a decade of historic safety levels. In South Los Angeles, shootings were up 234% at the beginning of 2021 when compared to last year.

In response, the Urban Peace Institute founded the LA Intervention Coalition, uniting 120 peacemakers, 16 gang intervention agencies, and 6 advocacy organizations to work together to end violence.

We are now advocating for a $54M public investment in peacemakers to expand the capacity of gang intervention workers to reduce violence. Law enforcement cannot do it alone. Join us and learn more about our #FundPeacemakers campaign.

We will always remember 2020 for its national awakening to address systemic racism and ensure police reform. This work is not over.