INDIANAPOLIS — As the end of the year approaches, city leaders in Indianapolis are taking a closer look at some of the progress made when it comes to decreasing crime and homelessness in Indianapolis.
In December, the city surpassed its 200th homicide for the year. The Office of Public Health and Safety said the city has seen a 16% decrease in murders over the last year and a 12.5% decrease in non-deadly shootings. They believe its Elevation Grant program played a big part in the reductions.
The city invested $15 million in grassroots organizations like New Breed of Youth Mentoring Program (New B.O.Y.) and the Inner Beauty Program. It was part an effort to decrease violence, support quality-of-life efforts and allow them to reach more kids.
"Because of the Elevation Grant, it gives us flexibility in how we work with kids and how we work with families. When you touch a young person, that's great, but you also want to make sure you get to the root cause of the issue, and that is somewhat imbedded in the family," said Kareem Hines, founder of New B.O.Y.
Kareem and Chrystal Hines believe supporting grassroots organizations like theirs are vital to the community.
"It shows the city is making a financial investment but also a trust investment ... that they believe the organizations out here with boots on the ground directly impacting families deserve the support," Kareem said.
"They're recognizing it is grassroot agencies that are able to provide what's needed because we know, and we are from here. We live in these neighborhoods, and we've been exposed to the lack," Chrystal said.
They believe the strides the city made this year gives neighbors a sense of pride and hope — something that's important to everyone.
"By being able to transform lives through our program, we are telling a different story. We are showing hope that there are bright futures that are coming up," Chrystal said. "We are showing the story we can trust the youth we are raising are going to take care of our world."
Click here to learn more about the New B.O.Y and Inner Beauty programs.