Our movement is gaining momentum. It was our advocacy¹ last year that secured a historic budget win when the PA General Assembly included $105 million in grant funding for community violence intervention programs. But the reality is we can’t interrupt cycles of violence in just one year. We need sustained investment in these efforts to see real change and truly make communities safe.

Community-led, evidence-based efforts include interrupting and de-escalating conflicts before they turn into shootings, supporting those in crisis, providing trauma-informed care, connecting those most at-risk to critical services, and more. As we’ve seen in the city of Chester, these initiatives work. Our partner, Chester Partnerships for Safer Neighborhoods, has worked with law enforcement to engage the community directly using a Focused Deterrence Program. This has led to a 43 percent reduction in fatal shootings in just a year. And other cities who have invested in these programs have seen similar reductions.² Isn’t it time the entire Commonwealth does the same? Every Pennsylvanian deserves a life free from gun violence.

Ask your legislators to follow through on the Governor’s $105 million proposal to invest in safer communities across our state.

As we’ve seen, your time can make ALL the difference. Take action today.

Sincerely,

Adam Garber

Executive Director

CeaseFirePA

^{1 https://www.ceasefirepa.org/featured/statement-pa-budget-expands-historic-investment-in-gun-violence-prevention/}

²https://www.ceasefirepa.org/our-work/invest-in-safer-communities/?sourceid=1130737&ms=email&emci=ce8490ae-66b4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=c2a3892b-77b7-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=46932