Newport News Community Safety Initiative

Community Safety Initiative

About Our Effort

Gun violence is a nationwide problem. The City of Newport News is committed to addressing this issue by creating a city and region where residents have the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Our goal is to identify issues impacting our city and invest in community based organizations that address the concerns.

We are adopting a two-phased approach:

  • Comprehensive Gun Violence and Community Safety Assessment: In 2022, we worked with the Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research and Policy at Christopher Newport University (CNU) to conduct a comprehensive Gun Violence Community Assessment. The findings help city leaders and the public to understand the most pressing concerns around safety, as well as the root causes and effects of violence in the community.  
  • Grants to Community Organizations: The City of Newport News launched a grant program to provide funding to qualified community-based organizations that present solutions to reduce gun violence. Since FY 2023, we have more than $3.1 million in grants to grass-roots organizations that work to combat violence. 

Engagement with Community Organizations

We will invest in community-based organizations that demonstrate the capacity to create safe and stronger neighborhoods. Examples of solutions include but are not limited to:

  • Connecting those at high risk for violence to education, employment, and housing services
  • Providing mentoring, trauma-informed services and mental health supports to individuals impacted by gun violence
  • Deterring individuals at high risk for violence from engaging in gun violence
  • Helping individuals at high risk for violence resolve potentially violent disputes before they occur

Grant Awards

FY 2024 - 15 organizations funded for a total investment of $1,373,020

  • Boxing 2 Live - $62,500
  • Center for Child & Family Services - $98,082
  • Community Builders Network - $20,138
  • Ketchmore Kids - $111,530
  • Let Our Voices Empower - $172,165
  • Newport News Public Schools Youth Development - $158,750
  • Quality of Life Counseling Center - $142,370
  • Sister to Sister - $63,700
  • Soundscapes - $50,557
  • THRIVE Peninsula - $23,500
  • Today Jesus Outreach - $91,500
  • Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas - $61,160
  • What's Next: Breaking Barriers for Success - $205,376
  • YMCA - $55,902
  • Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads - $55,790