Expanding Orlando Community Violence Intervention Program

The City of Orlando is proposing a comprehensive Community Violence Intervention and Prevention (CVIPI) program to reduce violent crime and promote public safety. This innovative program combines the Cure Violence three-pronged approach and the Advance Peace strategies programs to disrupt acts of gun violence in targeted Orlando communities. The Cure Violence approach includes interrupting violence through street outreach, changing norms through community mobilization, and creating opportunities through targeted behavior change. The Advance Peace strategies include intensive case management, mentoring, and access to support services and opportunities for young men at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence. Currently, the program is in the Parramore, Carver Shores, Holden Heights, and Mercy Drive communities. Funding from this grant would allow for the program’s expansion into the Signal Hill, Richmond Heights, and Lake Mann communities.

The program’s primary activities include developing a community-specific Violence Reduction Strategic Plan, implementing data-driven and evidence-informed strategies, and promoting national, regional, and local peer learning. The intended beneficiaries are communities historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality. Specifically, the program targets high-risk individuals aged 15–24 who are most vulnerable to violent crime. Individuals will be identified as high risk based on a combination of risk factors, including but not limited to prior involvement in violence, gang involvement, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Data will be collected and analyzed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of community violence and identify the populations most at risk. The program will prioritize serving those most in need of services and resources.

The City of Orlando will collaborate with various community-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and academic institutions to identify and engage the targeted beneficiaries. The program’s success will be evaluated based on several outcome measures, including a reduction in violent crime, increased public safety, and improved community well-being. Additionally, the program will promote racial equity and remove barriers to access and opportunity for communities that have been historically underserved and marginalized. Overall, the City of Orlando’s proposed CVIPI program represents a promising approach to reducing violent crime and promoting public safety, particularly serving the community’s most vulnerable members.