Harrisburg, September 23, 2021 – Gov. Tom Wolf joined state Sen. Vince Hughes today for a news conference in Philadelphia to urge local community groups to apply for share of $24 million in state funds set aside for efforts to stem violence.

The grants, through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), can be used by groups ranging from large institutions to small neighborhood volunteer organizations who have solid plans to work in the community to mitigate the behaviors that lead to violence.

“Stemming the violence in our neighborhoods requires coordination and determination at every level, but most importantly in our neighborhoods.  By focusing at ground level, funding will be able to hit the streets quickly and reach people one by one,” Hughes said.  “Our caucus has helped make these resources available and I encourage community organizations and on-the-ground leaders to apply for these funds.”

Hughes worked with Wolf and legislative leaders to set aside the funding in the recently passed state budget.

“We cannot overstate how painful and damaging gun violence is to our communities. The fear, stress, and grief gun violence leaves in its wake hurts every member of our communities,” Wolf said. “This funding will provide communities and organizations with resources to implement or support programs that are tackling community violence. I’m grateful to those in who are taking steps every day to keep their communities safe and I urge them to apply for this opportunity.”

Hughes, who sits on the PCCD board, and Wolf were joined at the West Philadelphia YMCA by state Reps. Donna Bullock and Rick Krajewski as well as Sen. Sharif Street and YMCA CEO Shaun Elliott.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA won a $223,500 grant earlier this month to support implementation of gun violence initiatives at three Philadelphia branches.

Community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, municipalities, district attorneys and counties are eligible to apply. Awards will range from maximum budgets of $50,000 to $2,000,000 for project periods spanning up to two years.

To find out more on how to apply, click here.

The window to apply is open now through Friday, October 15, 2021.  Awards will be announced at the December 1, 2021 School Safety and Security Committee meeting, with projects slated to begin January 1, 2022.

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