PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Community Against Violence organization says it may have to shutter if it doesn’t get more financial and community support.
The agency may have to close at the end of November. It only has three employees – actually having a paid staff only since 2021, and only since having a $300,000 annual budget mostly paid for with grants.
Problem is, their request for more grant money for the coming year was rejected.
“Imagine what we could do if we all were working toward a solution, together, for gun violence,” said Becky Rossman, CEO. “My prayer is that Peoria eventually will not need the services of PCAV. We aren’t even close to being there yet.”
Rossman says the organization helps victims of gun and other violence relocate, and get emergency food, clothing, and shelter, among other things, after shootings. And she knows the organization is needed now more than ever.
“We’ve had 20 community members shot since July first,” said Rossman. “We need you now more than ever.”
Community leaders including Peoria Police say they support PCAV’s cause.
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