Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

As people of faith, we lament the loss of life from gun violence in communities across the country and support proven preventive efforts. Moreover, we are the spiritual first responders to gun violence. We support the injured and afflicted, and we comfort the bereaved. Victims and families turn to their faith communities in times of crisis, and we grapple together with fundamental questions about life, death, and faith.

—from Faith Groups letter to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies requesting funding for CVI programs, 08 May 2025

Demand that funding be restored for Violence Intervention Programs

On April 22, the Department of Justice abruptly cancelled more than 360 ongoing grants totaling more than $800 million. Over $100 million of these grants had been issued for community violence intervention work around the country, programming that utilizes a public health approach to address gun violence.

Tell Congress and the Attorney General's office to demand reinstatement of this funding for programs that have been proven to stop gun violence before it happens while empowering communities to care for their neighbors.

Background

According to the Center for American Progress, these community violence intervention (CVI) programs have reduced shootings by as much as 60%. These programs are successful in large part because they employ community members who understand root causes of gun violence and have credibility in their neighborhoods. Not only do they save lives, but they are cost effective: a Johns Hopkins study found that every $1 invested in CVI programming yielded $7-$19 in benefits.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation also has helpful information compiled for advocating on behalf of CVI which you can find here.