COLUMBUS, Ohio — The City of Columbus is looking to continue its financial support in reducing crime involving youth in the city.
During the Columbus City Council meeting on Monday, legislation was introduced that would provide $429,500 to the Columbus Urban League for the Neighborhood Violence Intervention Program
The legislation is geared at targeting violence prevention among those 14 to 23 years of age in the south and eastern zones of the city.
Columbus Urban League President Stephanie Hightower said the program that has been in existence for 10 years is working.
“We have been able to negotiate about 18 peace agreements with gangs,” she said.
When it comes to solving crimes, Hightower said there needs to be a holistic approach that includes addressing the cost of living, affordable housing and mental health.
"When we have neighborhoods where we are not investing in, where there are not enough opportunities for kids to have jobs, where we don't have housing that is stable for young people, it puts our young people in this cycle and what we are trying to do is break that cycle," she said.
Hightower said the money from the program will pay for five intervention specialists to go into the community to help those who want to leave a life of crime and provide them with skills to find employment.
Columbus City Council will discuss the legislation in their next meeting on Jan. 22.
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