Community Violence Interventions

"Street outreach" entails actively working in “the streets” to engage individuals who are at immediate and high risk of being either victims or perpetrators of violence. Street Outreach staff engage with these individuals in a variety of settings, including parks, homes, street corners, community centers, schools, hospitals or any place these individuals frequent. Street Outreach staff are focused on building relationships with persons at high-risk so that they can promote peace by mediating potential and existing conflicts. The staff also serve as connectors to services and as a support to both the individuals and their families. Street Outreach efforts are typically conducted in the afternoons/evenings and late at night when violence is most prevalent.

Some key street outreach activities include:

• Engage and support individuals and groups at high risk of violence
• Reclaim public spaces for safe activities for the entire community
• Respond to critical incidents such as shootings and homicides to de-escalate tension and rumor control
• Support victims and their families
• Conduct proactive peace-building activities
• Mediate and resolve conflicts between street groups
• Make referrals for services and support