Denver has launched a faith-based program to support residents of city neighborhoods immediately following flare-ups of gang violence, an initiative Mayor Michael Hancock described as part of ongoing efforts to prevent such crime and address residents’ emotional trauma.
“The objective is simple,” Hancock said at a Monday afternoon news conference. “To aid community healing and support the well-being of residents impacted by gang violence in a safe, supportive, community-based environment.”
The program, called Safe Haven, involves across Denver that have signed up to respond for three days following a traumatic gang-related incident. Church members and volunteers, part of what the city is calling a “Safe Haven network,” will help steer residents affected by gang bloodshed toward emotional and mental wellness specialists.
officials about to announce a new program to help people impacted by gang violence.
— Jesse Aaron Paul ☀ (@JesseAPaul)
The initiative is funded by the city’s but does not fall under the auspices of law enforcement.
“No single organization or individual can tackle the problem of gang violence alone,” said Stephanie O’Malley, Denver’s director of public safety.
O’Malley and Hancock contrasted Monday’s announcement on gang-violence response with a when city leaders detailed a burst of gang violence in Denver .
Pastors Terrence Hughes and Phil Abeyta, also speaking at the news conference, said Safe Haven offers a comprehensive response to an issue that before was more fragmented.
“Our neighborhoods have been traumatized,” Hughes said. “So now the healing process will take a much greater step. … We will not be a prisoner to the traumatic events in our communities any longer. We are taking a strong stand together.”
