How the American Rescue Plan Will Help Us Prevent Violence in Stockton

Our leaders and community partners successfully advocated for the city of Stockton to invest $4.75 million of American Rescue Plan funds over three years toward community well-being and violence intervention.

The resources will establish hotlines and warmlines for crisis disruption, outreach and intervention support through community-based nonprofits, and evidence-based community violence interventions.

Lecia Harrison, a licensed clinical social worker and leader with Faith in the Valley said: “We need this investment because Stockton has multiple crises—gun violence, homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse. All are interconnected. Formerly incarcerated folks are impacted too. Gun violence is a public health crisis. Mental health resources are necessary to prevent and treat the trauma experienced by victims directly impacted by gun violence. There is a ripple effect and the trauma doesn’t just impact them, but also family, friends, and the community at large.”

Our leaders are continuing to advocate at the federal level for a longterm commitment to violence prevention through the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, a proposed $5 billion fund over eight years to invest in evidence-based violence reduction initiatives.

To get involved with the national campaign to #FundPeace, go to FundPeaceNow.com.