A public safety leader in Portland warns that lives are at stake if the city council does not secure funding for its gun violence intervention initiative, known as “Ceasefire.” This program is vital in connecting at-risk individuals with resources to break the cycle of violence, especially as the city grapples with a $92 million budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year.
Director of Community Safety Stephanie Howard emphasizes that the program has contributed to a significant 20% decrease in reported shootings over the past year. As federal funding nears expiration, Howard urges leaders to prioritize long-term financial support to maintain this progress and expand outreach, particularly to vulnerable homeless populations and youth, who are increasingly impacted by gun violence.
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