The City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois have teamed up to create the Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC). This coalition aims to enhance community safety strategies in the greater Chicago area, with a recently launched website serving as a hub for information and grants, according to a recent announcement.
Quiwana Bell, the IDHS Assistant Secretary Designate, Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, expressed her gratitude for the collaborative effort that targets violence in the most affected communities. "At IDHS, we remain committed to advancing community safety, and this new website will ensure that violence prevention resources are accessible and available to everyone," Bell informed during the announcement. The GASC was formed in 2021 utilizing federal COVID-19 American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to bolster its initiatives, and, since its inception, nearly $350 million in public funding has been directed towards various community safety programs.
As a central figure in intergovernmental cooperation, Lanetta Haynes Turner, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Cook County Board President, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration. "It is essential that we take a regional approach as the drivers and impacts of community violence extend beyond municipal lines," Turner explained. Her statement reinforces the GASC's mission to sustain investment and partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries.
The latest addition to GASC's resources is the Capacity Building Resource Library, a tool designed to help organizations navigate the grant application process and effectively implement programs. Delrice Adams, Executive Director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, weighed in on the importance of capacity building, "Many small organizations need more capacity support and education to apply for and manage grant funds," she reported during the launch. The library offers support in grant readiness, grant administration, and program implementation.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois, like the rest of the nation, has seen an uptick in gun violence. However, data suggests a decrease in community violence, with Cook County homicides down by over 20% since peaking in 2021. Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood emphasized the continuing commitment to community-based solutions. "We are committed to centering community-based approaches to ensure lasting safety and peace. By focusing on both immediate and root causes of violence, and with strong partnerships across all levels of government and community organizations, we are building a unified response to the gun violence crisis," Gatewood told the press.
