Newark Committing $19M To Help Curb Violence In The City

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is putting $19 million into programs meant to curb violence in the city over the next three years, officials recently announced.

With the support of American Rescue Plan funds, the City of Newark and additional grants, the funds will help community organizations to create additional “safe passage routes” to local schools. The money will also be used to power programs based on “intervention, treatment and prevention,” officials said.

According to a statement from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, the city plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) inviting community-based organizations that serve youth and adults in Newark to participate. The purpose of the RFP is to “address trauma, health disparities and social determinants, specifically violence, as a public health issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Baraka said the new funding will support the work of the city’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, which was created last year. The office works to break cycles that lead to violence, substance abuse and crime by giving participants insight into their own strengths and abilities to create legal paths to success.

“To continue this critical work, we are committed to investing funds to support community-based public safety projects that will also reduce and prevent violence in our city,” Baraka said.

• See related article: Newark Will Take $12M From Police, Reinvest In Social Services
• See related article: Newark Joins National Violence Prevention Alliance
• See related article: Dreams Of Peace Endure In Newark Amid Wave Of Gun Violence

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