Central Virginia Violence Interrupters (CVVI), a Charlottesville-based community initiative aimed at preventing gun violence, is facing a critical funding crisis after experiencing a loss of $250,000 from federal cuts and reduced local support. This sudden financial shortfall threatens the group’s ability to operate, leaving its 18 staff members uncertain about their future as they rely on dwindling resources to combat violence in high-risk areas like Prospect Avenue.
Originally trained by the Chicago-based non-profit Cure Violence Global, CVVI’s unique approach involves utilizing community members with criminal backgrounds to intervene before violence occurs. With an annual operational budget of approximately $450,000, the group’s recent funding cuts, combined with challenges in securing alternative grants, may hinder their ongoing efforts to de-escalate conflicts and ultimately protect the community from gun violence. “We’ve got enough money to last us probably until the fall,” warns accountant Tommy Everett, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Read full story at www.cvilletomorrow.org
