Everytown Community Safety Fund Awards Grant to Healing Hurt People
Organizations like the Everytown Community Safety Fund work to find solutions in a country grappling with the pressing issue of gun violence. They understand the significance of community-based violence intervention initiatives and are dedicated to supporting them. In a recent announcement, the Everytown Community Safety Fund unveiled its plan to award first-time support grants to fifteen community-based violence intervention organizations throughout the United States. The Healing Hurt People program at POIC + RAHS was awarded $100,000. This grant represents a significant investment in our mission to combat gun violence and make our community safer. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative.
Healing Hurt People Team
Healing Hurt People: A Vital Community Asset
Like many cities in the United States, Portland, Oregon, has been grappling with the tragic consequences of gun violence. The Healing Hurt People program at POIC + RAHS is dedicated to making a difference. This groundbreaking program has been working tirelessly to address gun violence's physical and emotional scars by bridging the gap between hospital staff and families impacted by these tragic events. Our program serves hospitals around the metropolitan area: Legacy Emanuel, OHSU, and Legacy Mt. Hood.
The Everytown Community Safety Fund recognizes that community-based violence intervention programs like ours are critical in reducing gun violence. They also understand our challenges, including limited access to funding and restrictions on how funds can be used. This grant will provide POIC with the resources to build capacity, sustain our programs long-term, and reach even more individuals in need of safety.
A deeper look into the work: "Still Here."
The critical work of the Healing Hurt People program is featured in our recent documentary, “Still Here. Portland’s Other Pandemic,” which delves into POIC’s response to the increase in community violence in Portland. The film is a testament to the program’s commitment to healing, resilience, and positive change. Focusing on the work lives of POIC + RAHS staff, “Still Here.” sheds light on the experiences of those stepping up to meet the need and the impact these types of programs can make to break the cycle of violence within the community.
We hope the documentary, created with a keen sense of empathy and social responsibility, serves as a tool for transformation. In light of the Everytown Community Safety Fund grant, we are working to have the film shown to more audiences to raise awareness, initiate dialogues, and advocate for local and national change.
Highlighting Black-Led Organizations
Healing Hurt People Graduation 2023
Being one of the Everytown Community Safety Fund Award recipients is a testament to the program's dedication to healing. This grant will provide essential financial resources that will enable HHP to expand its reach, enhance its impact, and continue its mission of healing and empowerment.
“It’s especially important that these investments and grants support Black-led organizations because they are trusted and know how to do the work in our communities.”
We want to thank the Everytown Community Safety Fund for their belief in our mission and commitment to reducing gun violence. We also thank U.S. Representative Steven Horsford, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, for advocating for these critical grants, especially to Black-led organizations that are trusted pillars of our communities.
As we move forward, we are excited about the opportunities this grant presents. We remain steadfast in our dedication to making our community safer and breaking the cycle of violence that has plagued us for far too long. Together, with the support of the Everytown Community Safety Fund and our entire community, we can create a safer future for all.
