Project HOPE - Harm-focused Outreach Prevention and Engagement - will develop and implement evidence-based CVI strategies to reduce crime and gun violence in concentrated hotspot areas in Vallejo, CA.

Applicant: Vallejo Police Department - Project HOPE

Location: Vallejo, California
Funding Requested: $$999,688.00

Commitment of U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of California, and leveraged Operation PEACE Task Force

Area Served: Two Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) in two target neighborhoods. (1) Greater South Vallejo: (Zip code 94590, QOZ 06095250801). 31,536 residents—11.6% unemployment, 15.3% poverty. Specific “hotspots” - 201 Maine Street, 545 Magazine Street, the Marina Vista Apartments, the 200 block of Westwood, and the Millersville community. Includes eight schools and community center. (2) The Crest Neighborhood and Surrounding Area: (Zip Code 94589, QOZ 06095251802). 37,280 residents—11.7% unemployment, 24% poverty. Specific “hotspots” - Sereno Village Apartments (750 Sereno Drive), and the Crest Community.

Data Analysis to Reduce Crime in Hotspots: Research partners, Touro University and BetaGov, and a Multidisciplinary Project Management Team, will monitor crime using socioeconomic, racial, and location-based factors, evaluate correlation to advance equity, and determine activities should be redirected.

Project Summary and Goals: Project HOPE (Harm-focused Outreach, Prevention, and Education) includes a comprehensive violence reduction framework to address gun and gang violence and community-police relations. Centered on youth and family services, project establishes comprehensive, community-based, and equitable access to justice and services through place-based programming designed to prevent, interrupt, and mitigate violence. Wraparound evidenced-based, trauma-informed violence intervention services through place-based wraparound case management, family interventions, youth diversion, safe visitation and custody exchange, hospital-based intervention, neighborhood revitalization, and street and community outreach will repair relationships and reduce victimization will be implemented. Non-enforcement activities and Koper Curve policing will take place.

Goals: (1) Reduce youth (aged 14-24) justice involvement by 10%; (2) Reduce Part I and II crime by 10% and by 15% in “hotspot” areas; (3) Reduce gun violence by 10%; and (4) Increase non-enforcement police activities by 20% and decrease complaints by 5%.

Crime Issues to be Addressed: Gun, gang, and youth violence and eroded community and police relations.

Full-time Project Coordinator, managed by Vallejo Police Department, will be hired.

Resources Leveraged: A minimum of 19 partners -- Leaven Learning Centers, SAVV, Courage Center, NorthBay Trauma Center, Solano County Health and Human Services and Child Welfare Services, Vallejo City Unified School District, NAACP, SAFEQUEST, Victory Outreach, Impact Bible Ministries, NAMI, Solano County District Attorney, Solano County Probation, BetaGov, Touro University, Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Vallejo, and the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce -- and 25 churches will coordinate, leverage resources and contribute to Project HOPE.