West Cleveland News

Mayor Justin Bibb and the Cleveland Foundation have launched a new $10 million Neighborhood Safety Fund aimed at addressing the root causes of violence in Cleveland. The fund, which was seeded in July with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money from the City, will be housed by the Cleveland Foundation.

According to a press release from the mayor's office, the fund will support community-driven, evidence-informed programming by nonprofit organizations or government agencies. To guide the grant application process, a nine-person advisory committee has been appointed. The committee will use a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process to recommend grant funding that will enhance safety across the city.

Mayor Bibb expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "This first-of-its-kind fund is a unique opportunity to not only address violence in the short term, but to look for longer-term, holistic solutions."

The advisory committee includes community appointees such as Habeedah Grimes, a mental health professional; Yvonne Pointer, a survivor and victim advocate; and Tre'Vonte Roey, a Hoops After Dark participant. Additionally, City Planning Director Joyce Pan Huang, Youth & Family Services Chief Sonya Pryor-Jones, and Angela Shute-Woodson, Community Relations director and a senior advisor, have been named to the committee. The City Council has also appointed Ward & Councilwoman Stephanie D. Howse-Jones, Ward 11 Councilman Danny Kelly, and Ward 5 Councilman Richard Starr to the committee.

The launch of the Neighborhood Safety Fund highlights the commitment of Mayor Bibb and the Cleveland Foundation to prioritize community safety and well-being. By investing in evidence-based programming and involving community partners, they aim to address the underlying causes of violence and create long-term solutions for a safer Cleveland.