Philadelphia community, business leaders form coalition to address city’s gun violence

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Leaders from more than 70 organizations across Philadelphia recently formed the new Coalition to Save Lives, which seeks to reduce gun violence in the city.

The group of leaders from civic institutions, businesses, and community organizations formed the coalition to reduce deaths due to gun violence by way of increased collaboration and the implementation of community-based, proven intervention strategies, the group said.

The coalition’s leading groups include the Philadelphia Foundation, the William Penn Foundation, the Urban Affairs Coalition, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Philadelphia Equity Alliance. Though in its early stages, the Coalition to Save Lives is already meeting with experts on reducing gun deaths and is focused first on those with the greatest risk.

“Last year, there were 562 homicides in our city. The vast majority – 506 people – were lost to gun violence. We are on a similar pace this year,” said Pedro Ramos, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Foundation. “The future of Philadelphia is at stake, and we are all stakeholders who have a shared responsibility to step forward and contribute to effect change. Government has a crucial role to play, but government can’t do it alone. This public crisis demands civic leadership and coordinated civic action.”

Organizers said the goal is to continuously reduce gun violence and increase coordination between the city’s government departments responsible for public safety and direct service providers and community-based organizations while providing more oversight and support.

The coalition said that evidence shows cities with coordinated efforts among government, community-based organizations, law enforcement and community groups can reduce gun-related homicides. For example, the coalition said Indianapolis, Ind. saw a 17 percent reduction in gun deaths over last year, which was attributed to a shared strategy between the city, law enforcement, service providers, and the community.

“Gun violence destroys lives, damages communities, and diminishes the well-being of our entire city,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “We know that reducing shootings in our communities requires effective, targeted approaches for those most likely to commit or become a victim of violence, and we are appreciative that the Coalition to Save Lives is working with us to deepen and strengthen our intervention work.”