WHEREAS, In 2020, homicides in Philadelphia reached a grim and shocking level last seen 25 years ago. Shootings have reached levels not previously recorded in recent city history, necessitating the urgency for immediate action; and
WHEREAS, This tragic whirlwind of violence has not abated. As of February 18, 2021, there have been 73 homicides-up 46% over the same time last year. The number of shooting victims in 2021 currently stands at 271-up 55% over the same period last year; and
WHEREAS, On February 18, 2021, Philadelphia experienced a mass shooting where eight victims, in a burst of gunfire, were shot outside the Olney Transportation Center in broad daylight; and
WHEREAS, Every violent incident is devastating to surrounding communities who endure lasting trauma from these events; and
WHEREAS, There is compelling evidence that violence begets violence unless there is a sophisticated and timely intervention with the right messenger and the right message; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia requires a bold, new partnership to help empower community organizations and residents to confront this epidemic of violence; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia will act towards the immediate establishment and funding of the Philadelphia Anti-Violence Resource Network; and
WHEREAS, This trusted and confidential resource network will: maintain a current list of all available services and programs within Philadelphia; and answer calls twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to connect community organizations and residents to these available resources; and
WHEREAS, This resource network would provide much needed support to local community organizations in need of access to critical resources, access to programs and the ability to offer real-time support and violence prevention interventions to youth and individuals within their community, regardless of time or location; and
WHEREAS, In order to be effective and trusted, the Philadelphia Anti-Violence Resource Network will be designed, managed, and staffed by those with issue expertise, lived experience, and firsthand knowledge of neighborhoods most impacted by high rates of violence; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Anti-Violence Resource Network will benefit from lessons learned from the City of Philadelphia’s 311 Constituent Call Center, Philadelphia’s Domestic Violence Hotline, Project HOME’s Outreach Coordination Center, and other best practice leaders from across the City and country; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council hereby launches the Philadelphia Anti-Violence Resource Network
to guide Philadelphia residents to available resources in order to combat the current epidemic of violence plaguing Philadelphia neighborhoods, families, and residents.
End