Chicago’s anti-violence organizations are set to lose $3.7 million in federal funding after the Justice Department canceled critical grants intended for violence prevention. This funding was earmarked for community groups like Metropolitan Family Services, which trains outreach workers for initiatives focused on reducing gun violence and improving public safety in neighborhoods plagued by crime.
The loss could severely impact the ability of these organizations to continue lifesaving programs, with Metropolitan Peace Academy’s outreach training potentially halved. CEO Ric Estrada emphasizes the fear that reducing support will hinder ongoing efforts to combat violence, pointing to recent trends showing significant decreases in gun violence. Estrada plans to appeal the Department’s decision, emphasizing that the funding was authorized by Congress and highlighting the potential job losses and community safety risks that accompany these cuts.
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