Creating Safe Communities

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — Angela Davis

Federal Way 2022 Annual Crimes

Des Moines 2022 Annual Crime Data

It is not the bruises on the body that hurt. It is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind- Aisha Mirza

Treating Violence Like A Disease

STOP THE VIOLENCE

Different Kinds of Violence

• Intimate Partner Abuse/DV
• Suicide(s)
• Physical Child Abuse
• Physical Elderly Abuse
• Accidental Firearm Injuries
• Physical & Mental Bullying
• Peer Pressure Violence
• Retaliation
• Protection

Port of Support & Pathwayz To Success

Who Does This Impact

Recognizing the Impact

• Youth
• Communities
• Schools
• Places of Worship
• Service providers
• Law enforcement
• Social Services

Filling in the Gaps

• In Washington State, a person may qualify for Crime Victims Compensation if they were injured as a direct result of a criminal act, such as a gun crime, reported the incident to law enforcement, and cooperate with the investigation. The program is administered and controlled by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Crime victim advocacy organizations do not hold or control the compensation funds because the program is a state-managed public benefit funded through government sources and criminal penalties. Not all victims of gun violence qualify for Crime Victims Compensation, as eligibility depends on meeting specific statutory and procedural requirements.

Crime Victims Compensation

• In Washington State, Crime Victims Compensation is administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, and not all victims of gun violence qualify. Eligibility depends on meeting specific statutory and procedural requirements, including: Basic Eligibility Requirements Victim of a Crime – The injury must result from a criminal act, such as an assault or other violent offense (including gun violence). Physical Injury or Severe Emotional Trauma – The victim must have sustained bodily injury or qualifying psychological trauma related to the crime. Crime Occurred in Washington State – Generally, the crime must have happened in Washington (with limited exceptions). Timely Reporting – The crime must be reported to law enforcement within a reasonable time. Cooperation with Law Enforcement – The victim must cooperate with the investigation and prosecution, unless there is a valid reason they cannot. Filing Within Time Limits – The compensation application must be filed within the statutory deadline (typically within two years of the crime, with some exceptions). No Participation in the Crime – The victim cannot have been committing or attempting to commit a felony at the time of the injury. No Incarceration at Time of Crime – Individuals who were incarcerated when injured are generally not eligible.

Systemic Gaps in Compensation

• When already disadvantaged community members are denied access to compensation funds after being injured—particularly those who were laid off during COVID-19 and have struggled to reenter a labor market that has become increasingly restricted and inequitable—it exposes a profound gap in our public safety and recovery systems. Survivors of gun violence who are unable to work, yet fail to meet strict eligibility requirements for wage replacement, are left without the financial stability necessary to secure housing and meet basic needs. This structural shortfall heightens the risk of homelessness at the very moment stability is most essential for healing and recovery. Without adequate financial support, individuals who have been shot often face compounded barriers to physical rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and emotional restoration. A recovery framework that excludes those already pushed to the margins ultimately weakens both public health outcomes and long-term community safety.

Integrated Emergency Support Model

• Integrated Emergency Support Model: Bridging Critical Gaps for Gun Violence Survivors Direct Hospital-to-Community Connection Connecting organizations like Port of Support directly to high-trauma injury prevention departments allows for immediate, coordinated intervention at the point of care. Emergency Rehousing & Safe Relocation Services Survivors and their families are provided emergency rehousing assistance and safe relocation services to stabilize them during crisis recovery periods. Journal Stipend Healing Program A structured journal stipend program creates a pathway to healing by allowing survivors to process trauma while receiving modest financial support. ADA Housing Relocation Assistance One family’s son became completely paralyzed due to a gun violence incident. Although the family had a Section 8 voucher, the program did not cover move-in costs—only ongoing rent. Required move-in costs: $6,800 The family needed relocation into an ADA-accessible unit for severe disability accommodation. Despite a month of outreach to large, well-funded nonprofit organizations, none were willing to contribute toward move-in expenses, exposing a significant systemic funding gap. Flexible Funding for Move-In Costs Many clients referred to the program were not adequately supported by the first or second nonprofit organizations they approached. Flexible funding allowed them to cover essential move-in expenses when other systems failed.

Bridging Critical Gaps for Gun Violence Survivors

• Medical Equipment & Essential Needs Coverage One client required prescription glasses after being shot; insurance denied coverage due to immigration status. The program covered over $1,000 for necessary eyewear. Financial assistance was provided for car payments and auto insurance to prevent loss of transportation critical for medical appointments and employment. Utility and Phone Bill Support (Gap-Based Assistance) The program intentionally avoided duplicating services that already existed, such as general utility assistance. However, when clients were denied services due to technical eligibility barriers (e.g., prior-month income), emergency funding covered those gaps. Phone bills were paid when necessary to ensure survivors maintained communication access for medical care, employment, and case management. Emergency Needs Program Structure All services were administered under a structured Emergency Needs Program designed to respond flexibly and rapidly to unmet needs not covered by traditional systems. Systemic Gap Identification Repeated refusals from large, well-funded organizations to support urgent housing accessibility needs highlighted structural inefficiencies in current funding systems. Program Impact & Replication Need The impact of this flexible, survivor-centered model was measurable and significant. Programs structured in this way should be replicated and institutionalized to ensure vulnerable and disadvantaged community members are not left without support during critical recovery periods.

What are Community Violence Interceptors

• CVIs are programs that focus on individuals most at risk of being a victim of or committing an act of gun violence. CVI provides a public health approach to gun violence prevention, addressing the unique needs of the community where systemic racism, disinvestments, and trauma occur.

Youth inspired Change Getting Involved

Youth Inspired Change Mission

• Youth inspired mission is to assist adolescents and young adults in decreasing reckless behavior, boosting academic attendance, as well as raising graduation rates.

Organizations Connected to This Work

• Regional Peacekeepers Collective
• Rainier Beach Action Coalition
• Restorative Resolutions providers
• Seattle community safety initiative
• Choose Freedom
• Choose 180
• B.R.A.V.E- Highline school District
• Crime Strategies Unit
• King County Prosecutors office
• Community Passageways
• Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention
• Zero Youth Detention Y.M.C.A
• Alive & Free Y.M.C.A
• L.I.N.C- Leadership Intervention & Change Program
• R.I.S.E Resilient in Sustaining Empowerment

Thank You