Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside and Elliot Park neighborhoods not covered under new contracts with violence interrupters
A local violence intervention group is on the brink of losing its contract with the city of Minneapolis.
Strolling through the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, men in bright orange shirts that have become a familiar sight.
They are members of Metro Youth Diversion, part of a violence interruption program aimed at reducing violence in Cedar-Riverside and Elliot Park neighborhoods.
Residents and business owners say their presence fosters a sense of safety.
"They are doing what the community needs," Asiya Awale said. "The community respects them and for them not to be around would be unfortunate."
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday approved new contracts with community organizations aimed at reducing violence in the city.
Five groups were selected to continue the initiative called the "Minneapolis violence interruption program": Restoration, Inc. and A Mother's Love Initiative in north Minneapolis and T.O.U.C.H. Outreach, Sabathini Community Center and MAD DADS of Minneapolis in the city's southside. The contracts are a year long with the option for renewal.
The new contracts with the city of Minneapolis equal a total of $3.4 million.
Metro Youth Diversion says their contract with the city ends on Monday.
Councilmember Jamal Osman represents the area and says he was told Cedar-Riverside was not selected because it is not considered a hot spot for crime anymore.
"I could not figure out why they would take away a program that is working," Osman said.
This week, a motion was brought forth by Osman that would decrease the budget from the restricted Public Safety Aid balance in the general fund and reallocate $650,000 back to the Neighborhood of Public Safety. This will allow violence interrupters to stay in both neighborhoods.
City council members unanimously passed the motion.
"Cedar-Riverside is a model of how this program has been effective," Osman said. "On Monday, I will call the Office of Community Safety and make sure we are able to sustain services."