Denver dedicates $3.1 million to community violence intervention for the first time

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following press release after Denver Mayor Mike Johnston passed a final budget including $3.1 million in funding for community violence intervention programs, which have been shown to substantially reduce crime. The funding will be used to support organizations in the Denver area that use non-punitive strategies such as street outreach, conflict mediation, counseling and mentorship, substance abuse treatments and trauma-informed care to interrupt cycles of harm and save lives.

“This funding is a monumental step towards addressing violence before it happens, and will invest in critical, popular community services that interrupt cycles of violence across Denver,” said Kim Gutierrez, Associate Director of Coalitions for GIFFORDS Center for Violence Intervention. “GIFFORDS is thankful to Mayor Johnston and the Denver City Council for including this landmark funding and for welcoming GIFFORDS in Denver to make the case for these programs. Today, lives were saved.”

“Until now, the programs that are most effective at reducing crime and saving lives were deeply underfunded in Denver. Community violence intervention workers as well as community members were often left without the crucial funding they need,” said Ricahrd Morales, President & CEO of the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership. “But starting today, Denver has made the crucial step of dedicating funds to programs that include stopping the cycle of violence. The Latino Coalition is proud to join GIFFORDS, Life-Line Colorado and the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition in thanking Mayor Johnston for approving this life-saving funding.”

In September, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords joined Life-Line Colorado, the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, Colorado State Rep. Javier Mabrey (D-01), and Mayor Johnston to host a roundtable on community violence intervention and prevention. The roundtable discussed the successes, needs and priorities guiding Colorado’s community violence intervention efforts, and urged Denver lawmakers to dedicate funding to supporting programs like Life-Line Colorado, which works to reduce youth violence.