Gun violence has touched all parts of Chicago — leaving behind lasting impacts on families and neighborhoods. The city saw a 13% decrease in shootings and homicides in 2023 as compared to the prior year but nearly 80% of homicides impacted the South and West sides. 

Local organizations are focusing on those neighborhoods in an effort to work directly with those most impacted in an effort to stop cycles of violence.

“Chicago Tonight” Co-anchor Paris Schutz was joined by Vaughn Bryant, executive director of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, and Kenoya Ali, the housing coordinator for Chicago CRED, to talk about those efforts.

They discussed outreach efforts, factors putting individuals and neighborhoods at higher risk, how Chicago compares to other big cities and more.

If you would like to read more, this community conversation is part of WTTW News’ “A Safer City” initiative which is diving deep into neighborhood crime, violence and public safety, as residents, policymakers and community groups work to address the growing issue.

You can also check view WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence for past coverage, stories and discussions on this issue. 

A Safer City is supported, in part, by the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Initiative for Reducing Violence in Chicago.