PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza wants to spend up to $1.6 million in federal coronavirus relief funding to establish nonviolence training and youth mentorship programs to address an increase in violence in the city.
The Providence Journal reports that the city recently opened requests for proposals for both initiatives, planning to allocate up to $500,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for training and up to $1.1 million for mentorship.
Elorza said the idea began taking shape in May when nine people were injured in a shooting.
There have been 20 homicides in the city already this year.
