Firearms are the third leading cause of injury-related death in Washington State, killing approximately 625 Washington residents each year between 2009 and 2013. The health of communities will be improved by work seeking to prevent and reduce gun violence as well as work that supports individuals who are impacted by such violence.
In King County, gun violence disproportionately impacts Black communities and other communities of color, particularly young people. In a recent three year period, 80% of shooting victims in King County were people of color, and 45% were under the age of 25. Statistics on fatal shootings by law enforcement also reflect the disproportionate impact of this form of gun violence on communities of color. Between 2016 and 2020 23% of people killed by police gunfire were Black, despite Black people only making up only 7% of the population in King County.
A new funding opportunity is available from the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) to fund community-based entities to prevent or respond to gun violence, with a focus on Black/African American communities, people experiencing domestic and sexual violence and other communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence.
Funding for Support Community Strategies to Address Gun Violence and Pathfinder Coordination
Those impacted by gun violence often have higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other health issues, which can affect not only those who experience gun violence, but extend to family, friends, and the larger community. This serious health and safety issue disproportionately impacts marginalized communities in King County, particularly Black/African American communities. By specifically focusing on supporting community-led violence prevention and response efforts within Black/African American communities, people experiencing domestic and sexual violence, and other communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence, this program is intended to increase community connection, support mental health and wellbeing, and enhance other protective factors associated with reductions in violence.
Funded programs will:
- Address root causes of gun violence in a context that is relevant, effective and meaningful for program participants, with a specific focus on Black/African American communities, people experiencing domestic and sexual violence, and other communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence.
- Demonstrate an approach to gun violence prevention that incorporates an understanding of the ways racism, poverty and other forms of oppression and deprivation intersect to create conditions where gun violence occurs.
- Provide information and services that are linguistically and culturally-appropriate and low-barrier.
Application details
Available funding: Up to $1,186,826 in VSHSL funds
Investment period: September 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023 (subject to change)
Questions: Contact Tamaso Johnson at tamaso.johnson@kingcounty.gov
Applications due: July 13, 2021 by 3pm
Join us for more information
June 15, 2021 | 10:00 – 11:30 am
Join by Teams
Join by phone: 425-653-6586, Conference ID: 212 998 138#
The Bidders Conference session will be recorded and posted at kingcounty.gov/VSHSL-Funding.
For more information and to apply visit: https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/VSHSLGunViolence
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