For 2019 and 2020, the city funded the two sites that kicked off the program with $3.4 million total. They added $1.5 million for 2021. The $470,000 for the start-up of the third site on the westside is the first money to not come out of the city coffers.
In addition, city staff are currently working on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which will ask for $2.4 million total for the three sites: $800,000 each.
Cure Violence, a Chicago-based program that has been implemented in cities across the country, is designed to prevent violence . Dozens of trained community members, most of whom have also previously had brushes with the law, are sent out into specific zip codes to intervene when violent crime occurs by talking with family and friends of victims. The goal: stop retaliatory violence and ultimately stop the spread of violence altogether.
Cure Violence Columbus crime prevention initiative moving forward in the city
Cure Violence Columbus crime prevention initiative moving forward in the city By James Giles | March 11, 2021 at 9:37 PM EST - Updated March 11 at 9:55 PM
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Columbus City Council is moving ahead with plans to award $25,000 to a crime prevention program.
âCure Violence Columbusâ will conduct a two-month assessment of crime in the city. Once thatâs complete, itâs expected to get another $500,000 for future use. The assessment will consist of community outreach, training and getting to know the community and culture of Columbus by the Cure Violence Global team.