Champaign approves $2.3 million in funding for Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The City of Champaign approved $2.3 million in funding to nine local organizations to help reduce gun violence in the community.

The Community Relations Manager for the Equity and Engagement department, Jorge Elvir said it's important to make communities safer, especially in neighborhoods where crime is more common.

"It's important also to look at the aspect that our black communities are impacted the most. It's been marginalized for a long time and there's been a lack of accessibility to resources," said Elvir.

Organizations like First Followers and DREAAM Academy received thousands of dollars in funding. The Trauma and Resiliency Initiative hopes to utilize the funding to help heal the community.

"We have individuals that work directly with families, and we also have our mental health professionals as well as we have a group called Wisdom Leaders who deal with our older population," said Services and Support Supervisor, Donte' Lotts.

For more information on the Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint, click here.