Portland Launches Safer Portland Grant To Reduce Gun Violence -04/25/25

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is now accepting applications for the 2025 Safer Portland Grant to help reduce gun violence through community-based prevention efforts.

 

A total of $1,000,000 is available. The grant will be comprised of $700,000 in large dollar grants and $300,000 in small dollar grants. Organizations can apply for up to $100,000 in the large grant category, or up to $50,000 in the small grant category. Each grant may vary based on the scope of work and number of community members served.

 

All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 9, 2025. 

 

Due to the limited availability of funds, applicants are strongly encouraged to only apply to the appropriate grant amount necessary for direct program activities so the Office of Violence Prevention can maximize available resources.

 

The grant prioritizes prevention efforts in Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods, along with other areas known for high gun violence rates, but organizations throughout Portland are encouraged to apply.

Examples of programs supported by the grant include, but are not limited, to:

• Wraparound services, including mental health/cognitive behavioral therapy, aftercare support for families of victims, and intervention support services.
• Social activities, including youth and adult mediation/mentoring, preventative events/programs/workshops, and arts/culture/recreation programs.
• Workforce development and economic mobility, including job training and readiness, job placement, and financial and basic needs support for families affected by gun violence.

Visit https://www.portland.gov/community-safety/ovp/safer-portland for instructions on how to apply.

City Of Portland’s Safe Blocks Program And The Portland Police Bureau Team Up With The Drug Enforcement Administration For National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (Photo) -04/22/25

[PORTLAND, OR] – On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the City of Portland’s Safe Blocks Program and the Portland Police Bureau are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct. They will be collecting tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.*

 

What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

 

When: Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Who: Safe Blocks Program & Portland Police Bureau

 

Where: Portland Police Bureau North Precinct (449 NE Emerson St, Portland, OR 97211)

 

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 19.2 million pounds (9,600 tons) of medication from circulation since inception. It offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 5,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. For more than a decade, these events have helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

 

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

 

The Sunshine Division will also be available for donations of canned food, dry pasta, or boxed food for local families in need (tax deduction forms will be provided).

 

Can’t make it to this event? Visit www.DEATakeBack.com  for an authorized year-round drug disposal location near you.

 

*Note: This event will not be offering shredding services, accepting furniture donations, or disposing of any electronics.

 

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