The city of Seattle is investing $14.7 million in community partnerships aimed at reducing gun violence and improving safety across the city.
The funding, announced by Mayor Katie Wilson and administered through the city’s Human Services Department, will support 19 community-based organizations providing violence intervention services, school-based safety programs and supportive services.
City officials say the investment is part of a broader strategy that focuses on prevention, directs resources to neighborhoods where violence is most concentrated and relies on trusted community leaders to help interrupt cycles of harm.
“My team and I have spent time grieving with victims’ families, connecting with community members, and talking about the changes that we need to make as a city,” said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson. “We have to do better for our kids. Hope alone is not enough—our responsibility is to turn hope into action. My job is to do everything I can to make our communities safer and give every young person in Seattle the chance to grow up free from the fear of gun violence.”
Through the investment, the Human Services Department has awarded funding to organizations implementing three evidence-informed approaches: violence intervention services, school-based safety services and community supportive services.
“Community safety is built through strong relationships and coordinated support,” said Human Services Department Director Tanya Kim. “These investments help connect people to services when they need them most and strengthen the partnerships that are essential to improving safety across Seattle.”
Violence Intervention Services
The city is investing in specialized services aimed at individuals involved in the majority of gun violence incidents. Referrals will come from Safety Network Providers, the Seattle Police Department, hospitals, community providers and individuals seeking help themselves.
The strategy includes three service levels: hospital-based intervention, intensive individual services and place-based services.
Hospital-based intervention will expand the city’s partnership with Harborview Medical Center to provide bedside support for gunshot victims and their families. Services include needs assessments, advocacy with medical staff and connections to additional support resources.
Organizations receiving funding for hospital-based intervention include Community Passageways, Redeemed Wellness Center and YMCA of Greater Seattle.
Intensive individual services will focus on individuals most at risk of involvement in gun violence. Providers will deliver one-on-one or group services for up to 18 months using mentorship, coaching and therapeutic support.
Organizations receiving funding for intensive individual services include CHOOSE 180, Community Passageways and Urban Family.
Place-based services will target neighborhoods experiencing disproportionate levels of gun violence. These programs include outreach, conflict mediation, hotspot stabilization and incident recovery services.
Organizations receiving funding for place-based services include Community Passageways, RECLAIM, REST, Seattle Neighborhood Group, Shine Kinesthetics, Southwest Youth and Family Services and Urban Family.
School-Based Safety Services
The city will also provide support at selected Seattle Public Schools middle and high schools. On-site safety teams will offer conflict mediation, safe passage programs, case management and access to family resource funds.
Organizations providing school-based safety services include Community Passageways, Freedom Project, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Neighborhood Group, Urban Family and YMCA of Greater Seattle.
Supportive Services
Supportive services will focus on connecting individuals and families to resources through coordinated case management across multiple agencies. Programs will address housing stability, employment support, food access and mental health services.
Organizations receiving funding for supportive services include African Community Housing & Development, API Chaya, Arms Around You, Bridging Cultural Gaps, CHOOSE 180, Freedom Project, If Project, Neighborhood House, Northwest Credible Messenger, REST, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Southwest Youth and Family Services and Urban Family.
City officials estimate that more than 4,000 people will be served each year through the programs funded by the initiative, with intervention services focused on individuals most at risk.
All funded organizations will operate under shared performance standards and measurable outcomes as part of the city’s broader strategy to reduce gun violence.
The Human Services Department will also work with an external evaluator to develop an accountability framework and provide technical assistance aimed at strengthening programs and identifying opportunities to expand effective approaches.
City officials say the department will continue working with community groups and city and county partners to coordinate services and ensure support remains accessible to communities most impacted by gun violence.
Future phases of the strategy are expected to build on the current investment to further strengthen safety and long-term stability across Seattle.
