Lansing, MI - To help local organizations address violence in their communities, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded more than $7 million in funding to eight organizations through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
“All Michigan residents should feel safe in their homes, schools and communities,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This funding will help support local organizations and leaders as they work to prevent violence and reduce its adverse outcomes in their local communities.”
Applications were received from 26 organization across the state, with requests for more than $26 million in funding. The funding awarded will support two-year projects from Jan. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025.
Awardees include:
- Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan - $1 million
- Gryphon Place - $1 million
- Michigan Public Health Institute - $1 million
- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency - $1 million
- Oakland Community Health Network - $999,910
- Washtenaw County Sheriff - $999,440
- Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation - $900,000
- Migrant Legal Aid, Inc. - $200,080
Community violence, which includes homicide and non-fatal shootings, causes substantial harm and trauma to communities across Michigan, especially in racially segregated and historically disinvested neighborhoods. Community violence continues to be a significant and growing public health problem. People who live in communities experiencing violence are at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases and may have limited opportunities to engage in healthy behaviors, such as using recreational spaces and accessing healthy food outlets.
Funding is being made possible through investments for Community Violence Intervention Programs included in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 budgets signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.