Heal 901 is a nonprofit organization in memphis, TN

This $1,764,992 Project Grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CFDA 16.045), will support Heal Memphis, a minority-owned non-profit organization, in implementing an intensive community violence intervention and prevention program in Memphis, TN. The key products and services to be delivered through this 3-year grant, starting October 1, 2024, include establishing project infrastructure and building community relationships, deploying violence interrupters and providing ongoing case management services, evaluating and adjusting strategies based on data analysis, and conducting transition and sustainability planning. This funding aims to address the high rates of violent crime in Memphis, which saw a 52.3% increase in homicides in 2023, through a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach that engages community members and multiple stakeholders.

The proposed project is the implementation of an intensive community violence intervention and prevention program using the cure violence global (CVG) model. The purpose of this proposed project is to address the high rates of violent crime that are overwhelming the citizens of memphis. Homicides in the city increased by 52.3% in 2023. The efforts of city leaders and officials are currently not enough to address a complex public health crisis with many variables. Community violence intervention (CVI) must increase and include community members with the expertise of the streets to engage, connect, and intervene before another life is lost. Primary activities of this proposed project include the following: establishing project infrastructure and building community relationships, which include setting up offices and recruiting staff; implementing violence intervention and prevention strategies, including deploying violence interrupters and ongoing case management services; evaluating and adjusting strategies by analyzing data and implementing corrective actions; and conducting transition and sustainability planning.