Somerville Awarded State Grant to Combat Gang Violence

SOMERVILLE, MA – Somerville and its surrounding communities this week received a collective $335,735 under the Shannon Community Safety Initiative to combat gang violence in its neighborhoods.

The "Shannon Grant" – which also covers Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Quincy Revere and Winthrop – funds communities that have outlined a plan to address gang activity and youth violence.

This can include social interventions, community programs, time and personnel for gang task forces and additional outreach initiatives.

"We are thrilled to continue working in collaboration with law enforcement and community groups to support at-risk youth in the Metro Mayors communities," said Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, which staffs the Metro Mayors Coalition (MMC). The MMC is a conglomerate of 14 cities and towns that work to address common issues impacting urban governments.

"We thank Governor Baker and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for their ongoing support of this important program to prevent youth violence and crime," Draisen said in a statement.

The following Somerville programs will receive funding under the grant – the Somerville Police Department Metro Gang Task Force and "Hot Spot" patrols and Teen Empowerment/Somerville: Youth Organizing Initiative.

The Baker-Polito administration this week awarded a total of $5.7 million to communities across Massachusetts to combat gang violence.

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