United Way of Greater Knoxville has launched a neighborhood fund to provide resources to the East Knoxville community in response to recent gun violence.
The fund will be named and administered by “key community leaders in East Knoxville,” according to Matt Ryerson, United Way president and CEO.
The fund will start with $200,000 – $100,000 from United Way and $50,000 each from the city and county governments.
“Funds will be directed to support black, indigenous, people of color-led nonprofit organizations doing violence interruption programming and youth and family enrichment and development work,” according to the United Way press statement.
“Overall, our goal is to support nonprofits who work with, nurture, encourage and support our incredibly resilient but underserved youth,” said Ryerson. “By partnering with the leaders and community stakeholders who know these neighborhoods best, we can ensure that our resources are meeting the needs of the community.”