Urban Peace Institute Applauds President Biden’s Historic $5 Billion Support for Violence Prevention and Intervention

President Biden released the American Rescue Plan earlier today, calling for a $5 billion investment to support violence prevention and intervention programs. The Urban Peace Institute and Los Angeles Intervention Coalition applauds this historic announcement to support community-led violence intervention programs. The $5 billion in funding will be provided over the next eight years through the President’s American Jobs Plan. The Urban Peace Institute joins with President Biden in calling on Congress to ensure this funding directly addresses rising gun violence in communities of color.

“Los Angeles communities of color have been forgotten for generations,” said Fernando Rejón, Urban Peace Institute Executive Director. “President Biden’s American Jobs Plan will provide significant funding opportunities to create health and safety in often overlooked communities, as well as vital support for the Brown and Black violence intervention workforce. Peacemakers are crucial community messengers with lived experience who can effectively reduce gun and neighborhood-level violence.”

“When we drive on roads that are repaved and see new schools open, I know our tax dollars are at work. Now, by putting more money towards community-based organizations, we will ensure neighborhoods will be a safer place for all,” said Tina Padilla-Zamora Breaking Through Barriers to Success Program Supervisor and Los Angeles Intervention Coalition member.

 “A $5 billion investment in violence reduction will transform the lives of children that aren’t even born yet. Los Angeles is soon to become one of the safest cities in the world with new federal funding,” said Ben “Taco” Owens from Detour Mentoring Group and Los Angeles Intervention Coalition member.

“Study after study has shown that community-led violence intervention programs save lives, and the pandemic has made their work even harder while straining their resources,” said Michael-Sean Spence, director of community safety initiatives for Everytown for Gun Safety. “Amidst significant increases in gun violence, these groups have expanded their missions to meet emerging needs in our cities against the backdrop of the continuing pandemic and economic crisis. Their work - led by community leaders from the Black and brown communities disproportionately affected by gun violence - has never been more critical.”

The Urban Peace Institute and Los Angeles Intervention Coalition is dedicated to ensuring this new funding reaches Los Angeles’ most underserved communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by violence, and have experienced decades of disinvestment and structural racism. We will continue to advocate with the Biden administration and Congress to ensure this funding becomes a reality and directly supports Los Angeles peacemakers.