by: WOODTV.com staff,Whitney Burney
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids community leaders said at a Tuesday news conference they believe the mental health toll caused by the pandemic is tied to the increase in crime in the Grand Rapids area.
The diverse group came together to call for funding and resources for initiatives to engage young people. The leaders said they believe the lack of engagement has contributed to the rise in crime.
Joe Jones, President of Grand Rapids Urban League, and also a Grand Rapids city commissioner, noted several initiatives to help young people have often operated on a “shoestring budget” and hopes people will “lean in” to help.
During his comments, Rev. Jones said leaders have requested the county use funding from the federal CARES Act to address the issues related to gun violence.
The greater Grand Rapids area has seen a slew of break-ins at auto dealerships, cellphone stores and other types of businesses this summer. Authorities said many of the suspects are teens.
City leaders say they hope to secure $750,000 annually, at minimum, to implement a crime prevention strategy called Cure Violence. The initiative uses disease control methods to prevent crime.
More at WOODTV.COM