Cambridge to receive funding to combat gang violence

The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced $5.65 million in competitive grants to cities and towns across Massachusetts who, with their local community partners, will use the funding to combat gang violence and support local at-risk youth.

Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Somerville and Winthrop will receive a collective $307,000 under the program - the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, or "Shannon Grant" - which targets gang violence in Massachusetts.

Cambridge grants will be awarded to the Cambridge Police Department for its Metro Gang Task Force/Hot Spot Patrols, the Community Art Center for Late Night Basketball and the Cambridge Youth Programs/City of Cambridge for City Peace.

The grants provide funding to communities that demonstrate high levels of youth violence and gang activity, and who have a comprehensive plan to work with multi-disciplinary partners and a commitment to coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Those strategies include social interventions, employment opportunity programs, time and personnel for gang task forces and more.