The city's Office of Public Safety held an event at City Hall to reveal recipients of its Anti-Violence Community Partnership Grants Program. Among those selected was Diamond Beauty Academy, a local organization focused on teaching young people skills in the beauty industry while promoting entrepreneurship.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the investments reflect a long-term commitment to community-based solutions.
"Through the anti-violence community partnership grants, this city will invest a total of $25 million and more than 150 organizations before the end of 2026," Parker said.
The announcement came after a violent night in the city. Police said a 35-year-old woman was shot in the chest on the 600 block of North 12th Street. She remains hospitalized in critical condition. Shortly afterward, a 17-year-old was stabbed on the 4500 block of Carlisle Street in the Logan section and was also critically wounded.
Despite those incidents, officials say overall violent crime trends are improving. Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer said the city has recorded 67 homicides so far this year, a 33% decrease compared to the same period last year.
"The historic progress that Philadelphia has made, and it is historic, no one is letting up, that's why you are here. We must keep marching on, but we are at 60-year lows in homicides," Geer said.
City leaders said the grant program is intended to help sustain that progress by supporting grassroots efforts designed to prevent violence and provide opportunities for residents in vulnerable communities.