Gov. Kathy Hochul
Don Pollard/Workplace of Governor Kathy Hochul
Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced Friday that the state will grant $5 million to nonprofits and group organizations that give younger folks a protected area and enriching actions as a part of an ongoing effort to scale back gun violence.
The brand new initiative, referred to as Havens of Alternative, Peace and Empowerment (HOPE), is looking on grassroots organizations throughout all 5 boroughs to use for as much as $1 million every to fund protected havens and programming for a interval of two years.
“Public safety is my top priority, and our nation-leading gun laws and prevention programs are making real change across New York communities,” Hochul stated. “In 2025, shootings fell to the lowest levels on record statewide.”
Nonetheless, some areas of the town stay disproportionately impacted by gun violence, however it’s a pattern that the HOPE initiative goals to reverse.
It’s a pattern that the HOPE initiative goals to reverse.
“We’re continuing to invest in the communities most impacted by violence,” Hochul stated. “The HOPE initiative will create safe, supportive spaces for young people and families, helping break cycles of violence and making our state safer for all.”
Deputy Commissioner for The Workplace of Youth Justice on the NYS Division of Felony Justice Providers (DCJS), Damon Bacote, advised New York News that these funds will go towards supporting brick-and-mortar places that may present security and a variety of actions and providers for youthful New Yorkers from childhood into early maturity. He stated DCJS desires to help these protected havens’ operations by means of the essential night hours and weekends
“ All these places we’re looking at, we want to make sure that they kind of foster this healing, connection, skill building through culturally relevant and trauma informed programming,” Bacote stated. “And we’re hoping that they’re designed to interrupt the cycles of violence and promote youth wellbeing.”
The initiative additionally promised to prioritize funding organizations that have already got shut ties to the communities they serve.
“We are investing in the communities most impacted by gun violence by creating trusted neighborhood havens that foster safety, healing, and opportunity,” New York State Workplace of Gun Violence Prevention Director Calliana S. Thomas stated, “Just as importantly, this model builds the capacity of local grassroots organizations, ensuring that the leadership, resources, and solutions are rooted in the communities closest to the work.”
However that could be a tall order for the small, grassroots organizations the HOPE initiative is trying to fund. Bacote advised New York News that the state wished these protected havens to supply an formidable array of programming and providers, from issues like bodily actions, to STEM applications, arts programming, out of doors actions and even social providers like counseling or music remedy.
It’s organizations with the deepest roots in communities that can have probably the most success in outreach, Bacote argued. A constant criticism to each elected officers and reporters by households in areas impacted by gun violence is an absence of protected, accessible programming for younger folks. However Bacote stated that group organizations— particularly with an inflow of funding— are effectively positioned to boost consciousness of the protected choices.
He stated the funding can be utilized to make the applications extra accessible to younger folks.
“ When necessary and appropriate there is a piece of this program that we’re going to provide safe transportation options for participants,” Bacote stated. “This could include a fare for subway or bus transit, arranged car service, walking companion, because we want to ensure accessibility and safety.”
The deadline for grant functions is midday on July 1, 2026, however DCJS will reply any questions in regards to the request for functions so long as they’re submitted by Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The company additionally has assets to assist organizations with functions on its web site.
