Two-Year Grants Will Allow Seven Programs in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Albany, Erie and Onondaga Counties to Expand Anti-Gun Violence Work and Increase Services for Victims and Families
New Funding Announced as New York State Marks National Crime Victims Rights’ Week
Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation, Directs State Landmarks to be Illuminated Blue, Green and Orange Tonight to Recognize the Importance of Victims’ Rights and Access to Justice
On Wednesday April, 27th Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $6.3 million in federal funding that will allow seven programs in Brooklyn and Manhattan and Albany, Erie and Onondaga counties to expand their anti-gun violence work and increase critical services for victims and families. Administered by the New York State Office of Victim Services, the two-year grants will fund outreach staff to connect with victims and families, crisis responders, licensed social workers and other staff, as well as training, equipment and emergency funding for essential items such as clothing, housing and transportation expenses.
“New York will never waiver in its commitment to ensuring that victims of gun violence and other crimes can access services wherever and whenever they need them,” Governor Hochul said. “We are taking a comprehensive approach to tackling gun violence while also ensuring all New Yorkers, no matter their race or background, are treated with dignity and respect. This funding will allow programs to expand their reach and provide individuals and families with critical help and support, including mental health services to address trauma resulting from long-term exposure to community violence.”
Governor Hochul announced the grants and issued a proclamation designating this week as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in New York State. The Governor also directed that the following state assets be illuminated blue, green and orange – the colors designated for this year’s national observance – tonight, April 27, to recognize the importance of victims’ rights and access to justice:
- One World Trade Center
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin said, “OVS is proud to support these programs and the important work they are doing in communities grappling with significant increases in gun violence since the onset of the COVID pandemic. They are not only responding in the immediate aftermath of a crime but providing long-term support and services to help individuals and families readjust to life and move forward after a traumatic event.”
State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “We continue to hear loud and clear from communities that more is needed to address the devastating impact of gun violence. I commend my colleagues at the Office of Victim Services for working closely with community organizations to streamline access to this critical funding for victims of crime. These grants will help serve more New Yorkers, provide vital resources for communities, and complement programs, including SNUG Street Outreach, that DCJS supports on the ground. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership to prevent and reduce gun violence and the significant resources that she secured in the recently enacted budget.”
Elected Leaders Express Support
According to Senator Chuck Schumer, “One of the best ways to reduce gun violence is by increasing the resources to experienced local organizers and groups who have the relationships to prevent violence and to de-escalate dangerous situations. I am proud to deliver the over $6 million in federal funds for Community Violence Intervention programs from Buffalo to Brooklyn to help avert incidents of gun violence before it happens by showing young people there are opportunities for a better future. New York has long been a leader in CVI, and these programs time and time again show they are extremely effective, that is why I’ll keep fighting to bolster funding to these lifesaving programs to keep our communities safe.”
Followed by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, “Over the past few years, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crime across our nation and state. We must do more to combat gun violence and to support victims and their families, and this is an important step in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to fight crime and keep our communities safe.”
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh stated, “Increased resources to turn back gun violence was one of the critical priorities I shared with Governor Hochul’s team when it started building the state budget. We asked for multi-year funding to expand anti-gun violence programs and assist victims and their families. These two year grants to organizations on the front lines in Syracuse and Onondaga County show the Governor listened and responded. We need every resource possible to overcome gun violence and assist our children, and I appreciate Governor Hochul’s help for Syracuse.”
The Community Violence Intervention Act annually designates a portion of the state’s federal Victims of Crime Act funding for programs serving communities hardest hit by gun violence. This investment builds upon the Office of Victim Services partnership with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, which funds social workers and case managers at 12 state-supported SNUG Street Outreach programs. The SNUG program treats gun violence as a public health issue by identifying its source, interrupting the transmission and treating it by engaging communities and connecting individuals to services and support.
Governor Hochul’s extension of Executive Order 211 allowed the Office of Victim Services to streamline its application process and work directly with programs interested in obtaining the funding. The following organizations will receive $6.36 million over two years:
- Living Redemption Youth Opportunity Hub (Manhattan): $1.95 million
- Elite Learners (Brooklyn): $1.5 million
- Kings Against Violence Initiative (Brooklyn): $980,000
- McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center (Onondaga): $670,000
- New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (Manhattan): $580,000
- Erie County Medical Center (Erie): $430,000
- Trinity Alliance (Albany): $250,000
Office of Victim Services staff continue to work with other programs eligible for Community Violence Intervention Act funding and the agency is slated to award additional grants. Living Redemption Youth Opportunity Hub, Elite Learners, Kings Against Violence Initiative, and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence are receiving OVS grants for the first time.
With the addition of those four organizations, OVS now funds 232 victim assistance programs statewide. Additional information about those programs is available through OVS Resource Connect, a user-friendly online platform that allows individuals to find help by searching for a specific concern or need, or by zip code or location. Since being launched in Spring 2021, OVS Resource Connect has averaged about 1,000 users a month.
In addition to funding victim assistance programs, the Office of Victim Services provides a critical financial safety net for individuals and/or their family members, helping those who are eligible with medical and counseling expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support, in addition to other assistance.
To that end, OVS provided more than $18 million in financial assistance to victims of crime and their families in 2021. New York is the only state in the country with no limit on reimbursement for medical bills or counseling, which means individuals receive help for as long as they need it. Funding for crime victims’ compensation is generated by fines, fees and surcharges paid by certain individuals convicted in state or federal court.
