Change begins at the ground level, where community voices rise in unison to confront the challenges we face. Gun violence is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its impact ripples through our neighborhoods, claiming lives and leaving trauma in its wake. But the power to heal, to intervene, to change the trajectory of this crisis lies within our communities. It’s through grassroots efforts—those driven by the very people who live, breathe, and experience these realities—that we can truly tackle gun violence. When we invest in community intervention, we are investing in our future, in the safety of our families, and in the belief that change is possible.
Detroit’s battle against gun violence has gained new momentum with a significant $100,000 grant awarded to FORCE Detroit by the Everytown Community Safety Fund (CSF). This investment will enable the organization to expand its efforts in addressing the urgent issue of gun violence in the community. FORCE Detroit has been at the forefront of this work, leveraging local expertise, grassroots organizing, and a commitment to preventing violence before it happens.
The Everytown Community Safety Fund’s grant is not just an endorsement of FORCE Detroit’s work, but also a recognition of the broader need for community-driven approaches to public safety. Gun violence continues to plague cities across the nation, and Detroit is no exception. The impact of gun violence reverberates through families and neighborhoods, creating a cycle of trauma that disrupts lives and communities.
For years, FORCE Detroit has been a key player in the city’s efforts to address these issues head-on. Their approach focuses on community violence intervention, working with residents to develop tailored solutions that reflect the unique challenges and strengths of Detroit’s neighborhoods. This grant from the Everytown Community Safety Fund will provide crucial resources to bolster those efforts, enabling FORCE Detroit to expand its outreach and education campaigns, while positioning the organization to access additional federal funding.
Dujuan Kennedy, a leader within FORCE Detroit, spoke about the organization’s mission. “At FORCE Detroit, we’re pouring into our community by intervening in conflicts, organizing engagement, and advocating for permanent funding for initiatives proven to save lives.” His words reflect the heart of what FORCE Detroit does—meeting people where they are, addressing conflict before it escalates, and advocating for sustainable change.
This funding will also support FORCE Detroit’s ongoing work to shift the narrative around gun violence. Rather than framing it solely as a criminal issue, FORCE Detroit treats gun violence as a public health crisis that requires data-driven, community-based interventions. This perspective aligns with recommendations from the U.S. Surgeon General, who has called for investment in community-led approaches to reduce gun violence. FORCE Detroit’s work exemplifies this vision, blending evidence-based strategies with deep community engagement.
Since 2019, the Everytown Community Safety Fund has distributed over $13 million to organizations across the country, each working to stem the tide of gun violence through intervention strategies like street outreach and hospital-based violence interruption. FORCE Detroit’s selection for this latest round of funding speaks to its success in developing effective, community-rooted solutions. The $100,000 grant will be distributed in two installments over two years, giving the organization both financial support and access to additional resources through the Everytown network, including capacity-building trainings and national conferences.
“We are proud to announce FORCE Detroit has been awarded a 2024 grant from the Everytown Community Safety Fund to help bolster their life-saving work,” said Michael-Sean Spence, managing director of Community Safety Initiatives at Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and creator of the Everytown Community Safety Fund. “Through their street outreach and violence intervention programming, FORCE Detroit delivers a comprehensive approach to healing, teaching, and learning, providing a valuable resource for families and communities impacted by trauma and loss.”
FORCE Detroit is no stranger to the hard work of violence prevention. For nearly a decade, the organization has led efforts to reduce gun violence by centering those most affected by it. Their approach is holistic, recognizing that stopping violence requires addressing underlying issues like poverty, lack of opportunity, and historical trauma. Through programs that engage youth, provide counseling, and promote community dialogue, FORCE Detroit seeks to create safer spaces for everyone.
The work of FORCE Detroit is vital in a city where gun violence continues to claim lives at an alarming rate. According to national data, the United States has a gun homicide rate 26 times higher than other developed countries. In Detroit, the situation has been exacerbated by structural inequalities that leave many communities vulnerable. FORCE Detroit’s mission is to interrupt that cycle of violence by giving people the tools they need to resolve conflicts peacefully and prevent future incidents.
The broader context of this grant reflects a national push for community-based solutions to gun violence. While policy changes at the state and federal levels are important, organizations like FORCE Detroit are doing the critical on-the-ground work needed to make immediate impacts. They work closely with residents, building trust and offering resources that reflect the lived experiences of the community. This work is not quick or easy, but it is essential for creating lasting change.
FORCE Detroit’s efforts also resonate with a growing recognition that gun violence is not just a criminal justice issue, but a community issue. It affects every aspect of life, from education to health to economic opportunity. By addressing gun violence through a public health lens, FORCE Detroit is not only saving lives, but also helping to rebuild communities in ways that go beyond the immediate crisis.
As this grant helps FORCE Detroit expand its reach, the organization remains focused on its core mission of creating safer, more peaceful communities. The support from Everytown Community Safety Fund will allow FORCE Detroit to deepen its impact, offering hope and tangible solutions to the city’s ongoing gun violence crisis. This partnership between FORCE Detroit and Everytown represents a powerful collaboration rooted in a shared vision of reducing gun violence through community-led initiatives.
The stakes in Detroit, as in many other American cities, are high. Gun violence is not an abstract issue—it affects real people, real families, and real neighborhoods. FORCE Detroit’s work is a critical piece of the puzzle in addressing this crisis, and the support from the Everytown Community Safety Fund provides a necessary boost to sustain and expand these efforts. With this new funding, FORCE Detroit will continue to lead the way, offering innovative, community-driven solutions to one of the most pressing issues facing Detroit today.
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