ABC45: Chicago offers victims of gun violence money for funeral and burial expenses
Jamel Valencia, ABC45
CHICAGO (TND) — The Democratic mayor of a city that's been battling with gun violence announced he was expanding a program that offers money to victims.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's announcement comes after more than 70 people were shot during the Father's Day weekend and the death of a 7-year-old boy who was shot by a stray bullet.
The Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund started in 2022 as a pilot program under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, according to Johnson.
Today, the program will begin to offer victims $1,500 for funeral and burial expenses and $1,000 for families of victims needs who have suffered a loss, he explained.
Today is a step forward in our effort to achieve long-lasting peace and safety in all of our neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago," said Johnson. "Most of all today is a demonstration of our commitment to investing in people and of course providing the support they need.
Johnson said the relief can provide a "path and journey to full healing."
The mayor also noted that the program can provide safer communities.
At least 71 people were shot, nine of them killed, across the Windy City from June 14 to June 17, reported WLS who cited Chicago police.
"Seventy people being shot is 70 too many. The fact is, we've got work to do. While we're making progress, we've got so much more to do," 22nd Ward Ald. Mike Rodriguez told the local media outlet.
On Tuesday, 7-year-old Jai'mani Amir Rivera was shot outside his home and died. Police said Rivera was shot in the chest by a stray bullet fired in the area.
The mayor blamed previous leaders for the boy's tragic death during Thursday's news conference for the program.
"When a 7-year-old is stepping just outside their home and is gunned down, it's an indication of the failures of previous administrations who have been intentional about leaving our communities behind," Johnson said.
ESVF program was expanded to 10 addition communities. Eligible Chicagoans who are victimized by gun violence or all-cause homicide in one of the city’s 15 priority community areas could get money.
The program is funded with federal stimulus money.
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