Unify Portland on KATU News-Working to End Gang Violence
Working to end gang violence in Portland: 'Rescue kids before they need to be rescued'
PORTLAND, Ore. - Officers have responded to dozens of gang-related shootings in Portland so far this year and police, community leaders, and former gang members are calling the increase in gun violence a citywide crisis.
Twice a month, the concerned citizens pack the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct conference room to support and understand the problems that the city faces.
"I know we have tremendous difficulties out there and there's violence, we're addressing it collectively and collaboratively like we've never have seen before," one former gang member said.
One of the ways the gang violence crisis is being addressed is through outreach programs like Unify Portland and Youth Dynamics. Non-profit groups like these work with teens, giving them a sense of purpose and connection.
"The phrase I like to use is, rescuing kids before they need to be rescued," said Nathaniel Williams of Unify Portland. "Engaging them in something healthy at a young age before they're even in crisis."
In 2015, Portland set a record for gang violence with 193 shootings. Police officials say there have been 64 gang-related shootings so far this year.
Unify Portland worries about the numbers going up, especially when kids get out of school and the gang life looks more attractive.
Gary Wiggins joined the "Bloods" in Portland in 1985, when he was just 11 years old.
"It just became a part of me, I started wearing the color and I started doing the drug thing and make some money," Wiggins said.
"Your environment shapes who you are, so that's a tough one," said Williams. "So it's really going to take society to really help unwrap those things."
