Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago
Chicago CRED believes the individuals most at risk are not the problem—they are the solution.
Participants Served
Therapeutic Services
Job Placements
Housing Placements
H.S. Graduates
A Holistic Approach to reducing Gun Violence
CRED focuses on the places where violence is an everyday occurrence and people who are most at risk of shooting or being shot.
Projects and Initiatives
The everyday work of supporting participants consumes most of CRED’s time and budget, but we also have several targeted strategies to reduce gun violence and make communities safer.
alumni
The Chicago CRED Alumni platform is a continuation of support, community, and culture for former participants that have completed the programmatic phases of Chicago CRED.
Women’s Program
In 2019, CRED started a program for women, many of whom have children and some of whom have suffered sexual abuse, as well as gun violence-related trauma. Nearly 100 woman have now gone through the program and are on a new path to safer lives for themselves and their families.
Youth Program
In 2021, CRED started a youth program on the South Side with just seven participants. Today, it has grown to more than 40 and plans are underway to open a West Side youth program.
FLIP
The FLIP Program recruits men and a few women who are very close to the streets to put down their guns, put on a CRED jacket or tee-shirt and occupy 80-90 of the most violent locations in the city during summer evenings and weekends.
policy & advocacy
Taking Action to The Policy Floor
For every dollar invested in violence prevention, cities can save up to $19 in reduced healthcare, criminal, and legal costs.
We educate city leaders and state-level policy makers on the value of violence prevention programs that create sustainable long-term change.
Get Involved
Grant Partners
Reducing gun violence isn’t something any one group does alone. Meet our partners.
Strategic Initiatives
Creating systemic change means taking a multifaceted approach to gun violence reduction.
Policy & Advocacy
Educating policy makers and everyday citizens is critical to promoting positive change.
Chicago CRED News & Events
Find out where we’ve been — and where we’re going.
Our newsletter includes the latest data on gun violence reduction, the impact of our programs, and opportunities to get involved.
Chicago craftsman teaching the trades to the next generation
William Brown, a Chicago CRED alum, is now part of the team at Pullman Tech Workshop. This program focuses on […]
Suicide leads gun-related deaths. Why don’t we mention it when talking about gun control?
Arne Duncan and Gevin Reynolds – Opinion contributors Published September 16, 2023 This column contains discussion of suicide. If you […]
Chicago CVI Community gathers for the 2023 Fall Legislative Reception
On Wednesday, September 6th, an inspiring event took place in Chicago as leaders from the CVI community came together for […]
Meet Chicago CRED participant, Joseph Thomas.
- At the age of 10 Joseph was shot at for the first time
- At the age of 12 he joined his first gang
- By the age of 14 he had attended over six different schools
- Joseph now has his H.S Diploma and hopes to one day own his own business
For the first time, Joseph can see a path forward.
A 19:1 Financial ROI on Taking Violence Prevention to Scale
Average Cost to Fund Each Participant
Months of Programming Plus Ongoing Alumni Support
Estimated Savings if Gun Violence in Chicago Falls 80%
About Us
A radical reduction in gun violence is within reach
Chicago CRED works with hundred of young men and women, like-minded organizations, and community leaders to radically reduce gun violence and bring hope back to Chicago.
“Outreach Programs are compatible with effective policing”
“Outreach programs are not a threat to police departments whatsoever. Cities should not be scaling back on law enforcement when they are in the midst of spiking gun violence. We need to get to a point where we’re investing in other institutions at a scale where they can have a chance to have a transformative impact.”
Patrick Sharkey | Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs / Princeton University
Partners
CRED’s Violence Prevention Partners
Discover the incredible work our talented partners and community leaders are doing in their respective neighborhoods.
Let’s Build Solutions to Gun Violence Based on Data
Chicago CRED has designed, tested, and refined a gun violence reduction program based on the lived experience of our staff and participants and data tracking their progress. Join us in offering real opportunities to men and women at highest risk of gun violence.