While recent years have seen a decline in homicides, Philadelphians are still suffering the effects of violence in our communities. Around 75% of shootings in Philadelphia are non-fatal. Survivors face an unprecedented journey to recovery and must find a new way to live their lives to the fullest.
According to a five-year study by Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the average cost of initial treatment for a non-fatal firearm injury was $34,837. This study also concluded that 16% of new injuries require additional hospital visits and incur nearly four times the medical costs, averaging more than $70,000 per patient. More than 3% of new firearm injuries result in paralysis, increasing first-year expenses to over $100,000. When taking into account that 60% of these injuries occur within the poorest communities of PA, we see how vital Help Hope Live can be for victims of violence in Philadelphia.
Our communities are being held hostage by the physical, mental, and financial burdens that violence inflicts on its victims. Even one instance of violence can impact families and communities for years, creating generational trauma and poverty. Help Hope Live is determined to be one small part of the solution for those suffering right here in our backyard.
Our nonprofit is dedicated to providing Philadelphia victims of violence with:
• Emergency funds to meet the immediate and acute needs of both victims and their families.
• One-on-one support to facilitate fundraising to cover ongoing medical expenses and related costs.
• A safe and trusted way for community members to support their loved ones and neighbors in need.
Donating to Help Hope Live’s PHL Survivors Fund is just one step toward helping our communities here at home to heal.
