BUILD's Underserved Victims of Violent Crime Project

The proposed project, BUILD’s Underserved Victims of Crime Initiative, aims to address the urgent needs of historically marginalized youth and families in the Austin and Humboldt Park neighborhoods of Chicago, which have been disproportionately affected by gun violence. This initiative seeks to enhance existing Intervention and Clinical and Community Wellness programming by expanding personnel and resources to provide comprehensive support services to victims of crime and their families. Key activities will include street outreach, crisis response, case management, and mental health care, delivered directly to those impacted by violence and trauma. By leveraging nontraditional partnerships, particularly with local funeral homes, BUILD will extend its reach to victims and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance during critical times.

The expected outcomes of this initiative include a reduction in the incidence of violence among participants, improved mental health outcomes, and increased community engagement in violence prevention efforts. The service area encompasses six West Side neighborhoods, focusing on Austin and Humboldt Park, where BUILD has a longstanding presence and a proven track record of effective service delivery. The intended beneficiaries are primarily Black and Brown youth, along with their families, who have historically been underserved and adversely affected by systemic inequalities.