How You Can Help
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How You Can Help |
Many of us would like to believe that violence is something that only happens to other people. We may tell ourselves that gun violence is limited to "bad" neighborhoods, that the victims must have done something to deserve their fate, or that they were just unluckily in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The reality is that violent crime can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. Consider a recent USA Today article on the National Violent Crime Summit: "Robbers, especially juveniles, are more likely than ever to shoot victims, even when they do not resist. 'There's almost a different code on the street, that it's not a robbery unless you shoot somebody,' said Thomas Streicher, police chief in Cincinnati."
In addition to individual effects, businesses may find that they have trouble recruiting and retaining talented employees due to fears of crime. Other businesses may be forced to relocate or close down due to customers' wariness of coming to their stores. A trip through what used to be some of our most diverse, vibrant neighborhoods now feature boarded-up storefronts, abandoned buildings and worsening conditions for those residents who either can't afford to move or simply don't want to leave their homes.
It doesn't have to be this way. Our Greater Cincinnati community does have enough resources to share equitably among all those who are seeking a way out of violence and despair. The challenge is getting those resources in the hands of the people who need them the most.
Our most urgent needs at this time:
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Access to community counseling services available to clients soon after beginning in the program |
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Employment opportunities for clients who face outstanding life challenges |
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Housing options for relocation and fresh start |
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Rehabilitation equipment and services e.g., wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, shower stalls, transportation services, adjustable beds, etc. |
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Assistance in qualifying social service agencies and attending community meetings |
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Mentors/outreach specialists to maintain ongoing relationships with the clients as they try to implement new life choices and access community resources |
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Support with data collection and data management to measure the program’s process and ultimate impact |
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External evaluation of the program and its measures |
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A spirit of community support and advocacy |
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In-kind services to generate program materials including printed collateral, website maintenance, and promotional items |
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Fund-raising, including grant writing, advocacy, event hosting/planning, other pro-bono contributions |
Donations made payable to "Out of the Crossfire" in the form of check or money order can be sent to:
Out of the Crossfire, Inc.
The University Hospital
234 Goodman Avenue
5th Floor Southeast, Room 5201
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558
Getting involved is easy. Staying involved is vital.
Stop The Violence.
Out of the Crossfire Program Information: (513) 584-STOP