LANSING, MI – The Lansing Housing Commission (LHC) Board of Directors recently approved $50,000 to help curb escalating gun violence and deaths in the city.
Over the next three years, the funds will go toward Advance Peace, an organization dedicated to ending cyclical and retaliatory gun violence in American urban neighborhoods. Advance Peace establishes local programs that provide developmental and healing-centered resources to those at the center of lethal firearm offenses.
“It is important that the community come together to address issues of crime, specifically gun violence, within the city,” said Ryan Robinson, LHC Board president. “We are proud to be able to support Advance Peace, along with Ingham County and the City of Lansing. Through our contribution, we hope that other organizations are inspired to support an end to gun violence in our community.”
LHC stepped up to support this effort as part of its mission to provide affordable housing in a compassionate, healthy, and safe way. In the past two years, LHC added security cameras at its properties, hired on-site security at Capital City Senior Apartments, and works closely with the Lansing
“We take safety very seriously, and our contribution to the Advanced Peace project is another way to support our mission,” says Doug Fleming, executive director of the Lansing Housing Commission. “We believe strongly that prevention is the cornerstone to the long-term safety of our residents and all the residents of Lansing.”
Advance Peace uses evidenced-based practices, including street outreach, mentoring, intensive case management, life skills, cognitive behavioral therapy, and subsidized employment. The goal is to transform lives by “building healthy, safer and more just communities.”
Other local groups supporting the initiative are Ingham County, Ingham County Health Department, and the City of Lansing. Fleming has issued a challenge to other management companies, apartment owners, and community-based organizations to match LHC’s contribution.
“We must do everything we can to end the cycle of gun violence in our city. This is an investment in our community and the well-being of all our residents,” said Fleming. For more information on LHC, visit www.lanshc.org. Learn more about Advance Peace at www.advancepeace.org.
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