California awards more than US$800,000 for hate crime prevention in border region

CALIFORNIA – In the midst of an increase in racist attacks across the country targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, the California government allocated $14 million in grant funds to organizations to support victims of hate incidents, of which, $831,525 was earmarked for the border region.

The funds will go to provide direct services and support to victims of hate incidents and to facilitate prevention measures. The funding was approved as part of last year’s historic California Recovery Plan, which included $166.5 million dedicated to combating bias-motivated attacks.

“This is a critical investment that will go a long way toward uplifting our communities and fighting hate and violence across the state,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The California Department of Social Services will fund a total of five lead organizations, and will work with 75 others throughout California to deliver these services.

The Bay Area/South Bay/Central Coast alone received support of $4,168,747; the border region, received $831,525; Los Angeles County will receive $4,514,724; while Orange County/Inland Empire will have $1,293,750; Northern California/San Joaquin Valley will receive $3,460,500.

Grants to service providers range from $50,000 to $250,000. These supports will include direct assistance for victims and survivors of hate incidents and their families, as well as legal services; case navigation and case management; mental health and complementary, wellness and community healing services.

In addition, prevention activities such as arts and cultural work, youth development, senior safety and escort programs, safety planning training, and cross-racial partnership work are provided for.

Also, interventions including outreach, training, restorative justice, and coordination with local government and institutional partners are contemplated.

This $14 million investment represents the first round of awards of the total $30 million allocated this year to provide these services. Further support to service providers will be announced in the coming weeks. In addition, another $80 million in funding has been made available over the next two years to further support anti-hate efforts.

The California State Library is also administering $10 million for grants to ethnic media organizations to support public awareness of state-funded anti-hate services and programs and promote community healing and interracial understanding.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff