PORTLAND, Ore. — The City of Portland is trying to tackle gun violence in a non-traditional way by investing a half-million dollars in new programs to help prevent gun violence this summer.
Applications for Safer Portland 2024-2025 just opened up, a grant program through the City of Portland focused on reducing gun violence — but in a community-based way, through programs that offer mentorship, workshops and camps.
Groups can receive up to $100,000 each, the city is giving out $500,000 total through this program.
Safer Portland is prioritizing neighborhoods known for high gun violence rates such as Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert.
"A widespread of different activities for different interests for kids to keep them busy this summer," said Rachel Fetters from the City of Portland's Office of Violence Prevention. "Keep them away from picking up a gun or going and doing something dangerous."
They are also encouraging organizations that serve culturally specific communities, women and female-identifying communities, African immigrant/refugee communities, and the LGBTQ+ community to apply.
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Asianique Savage works as a gun prevention manager for nonprofit, the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety. Savage lost both her mother and brother to gun violence here in Portland. Although she's glad to see the city addressing gun violence, she thinks it will take even more money to make a lasting impact.
"They only put out x amount of money and it isn't sufficient for how many programs that are out right now," said Savage.
Any organizations interested in receiving funding must submit an application by May 17.