Everytown, Rhode Island Moms Demand Action Applaud Mayor Elorza for Announcing Request of $1.6 Million in Violence Intervention Funding to Combat City Gun Violence in Providence

The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement applauding the mayor of Providence, Jorge Elorza, on announcing his city’s request for proposals to fund community-based violence intervention programs through the American Rescue Plan Act. The plans include $1.6 million dollars split between non-violence training and youth mentorship programs. Mayor Elorza is a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

“The tragic shootings we are experiencing across Providence must be met with proactive, life-saving strategies that curb gun violence and prioritize safety,” said TK, a volunteer with the Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are grateful to Mayor Elorza for taking this important step and seeking to use American Rescue Plan dollars to help fund community-based violence intervention programs that will protect Providence’s hardest hit communities.”

American Rescue Plan Act funds have been utilized by several states to support community-based violence intervention programs in response to the nationwide increase in gun violence during the COVID pandemic, including Tennessee, Virginia, California, Illinois, Connecticut, and New York.

More than 100 people are shot and killed or wounded in Rhode Island every year. Gun violence costs Rhode Island $299.3 million each year, of which $14.6 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Rhode Island can be found here. More information on community-based violence intervention programs can be found here.