Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Department of Finance and Management, Grants Management Section has received funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program. It is the goal of the CDBG program to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- to moderate-income people.
This ordinance will authorize the Director of Finance and Management to enter into subrecipient agreements with two non-profit organizations for the delivery of violence prevention programs. These programs combine proactive outreach, consistent engagement, and strategic interventions. The Columbus Urban League (CUL) will receive funding to implement the Safe Passages program, a targeted, community-based violence prevention initiative designed to protect Columbus youth during the predictable high-risk periods when they are most vulnerable to violence. Community for New Direction (CND) will provide trained Intervention Specialists at identified schools during dismissal to monitor student transitions from school grounds into the surrounding community. Interventionists will proactively engage students to promote conflict de-escalation, discourage fighting, and encourage positive decision-making.
In the neighborhoods identified by the City’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), most of which are predominantly low- to moderate-income, there is a need for violence intervention and youth engagement services. These services reach young people and their families to help ensure the young residents of Columbus have healthy and safe activities and positive relationships that work to prevent engagement in crime and violence. The staff of these organizations have the experience, connection to the neighborhoods, and credibility through which they can build trust and deliver these services.
These programs have receive...
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