The Philadelphia Foundation and the William Penn Foundation, in partnership with Urban Affairs Coalition, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Philadelphia Equity Alliance, are collaborating in an effort to reduce gun violence, the Philadelphia Tribune reports. 

The Coalition to Save Lives, which includes 70 groups representing a cross-section of community and faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and the business community, is focused on implementing proven strategies geared toward reducing gun violence. To that end, the coalition aims to provide data, tools, and resources to community organizations already doing the work and increasing coordination between city government and other stakeholders in public safety. 

“Last year there were 562 homicides in our city. The vast majority—506 people—were lost to gun violence. We are on a similar pace this year,” Philadelphia Foundation president and CEO Pedro Ramos told the Tribune. “The future of Philadelphia is at stake, and we are all stakeholders who have a shared responsibility to step forward and contribute to effect change.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Sean Pavone)