Grand Rapids Residents Pitch Solutions to Youth Violence as SAFE Task Force Offers Up to $50,000

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Courtesy Photo: Community members and organizers gather at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Grand Rapids during a SAFE Task Force initiative focused on addressing youth violence. The initiative invites residents to propose community-driven solutions, with funding opportunities of up to $50,000 to support efforts aimed at creating safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for young people.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Ten community finalists will bring their ideas for safer neighborhoods to the stage Wednesday, October 28, as the City of Grand Rapids invites residents to consider new ways to prevent violence and support young people.

The city's Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE) Task Force will hold its Pitch & Highlight Night from 6 to 9 p.m. at the MLK Park Community Center, 900 Fuller Ave. SE. Each finalist will have five minutes to explain a proposed project.

The proposals are intended to address violence prevention, positive opportunities and mental health needs among residents ages 15 to 24. At the end of the event, five projects are expected to be selected for city partnerships and awards of up to $10,000 apiece, according to the city's October 26 announcement. Projects selected in this funding cycle are slated for implementation between March and September 2027. The city has not yet announced the winners or supplied a verified list of all finalists in the materials reviewed for this story.

The initiative recognizes that public safety is shaped not only by enforcement but also by access to opportunity, trusted relationships and support systems. SAFE focuses on gun violence, positive youth activities and mental health, while encouraging community organizations and residents to propose solutions. “Every time our community comes together to share ideas, we take another step toward reducing violence in Grand Rapids,” said Latesha Lipscomb, the city's civilian violence prevention and intervention manager, in the announcement. She emphasized residents' creativity and commitment to safer neighborhoods.

The SAFE Task Force is chaired by Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, according to the city's program page. The task force's stated goals include sharing information about neighborhood violence, supporting research-informed programs, encouraging community leadership and recommending public policy.

Residents interested in the event can attend Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at MLK Park Community Center.