At-Risk South St. Pete Residents Program Scheduled To Launch

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A project designed to help at-risk South St. Pete residents launches soon by the city of St. Petersburg Urban Affairs Department.

The Hidden Voices Project will also prevent catalysts to crime, the city said. The program will use focus groups, mental health counseling, wrap around services partnered with local social service agencies, and specific entrepreneurial training provided by Pinellas Technical College or employment opportunities with the St. Pete Works initiative at St. Petersburg College.

“Guns don’t kill people," Councilmember Figgs-Sanders said. "People kill people. Is it due to trauma, poor conflict resolution, needing street creds, decreased value of life? Whatever the reason, how to address gun violence by those who know best is key."

No matter where we live in St. Petersburg, we all understand the misfortune of those captive in circumstances of hopelessness and missed opportunities, the department said. The Hidden Voices Project will join city efforts with PERC and the Enough is Enough Initiative, featuring wrap around services for victims, perpetrators, and families impacted by violence.

The launch date is Wednesday, June 9, 10 a.m., at People Empowering & Restoring Communities (PERC), 1601 16th Street South, St. Petersburg.

If you would like more information, visit www.stpete.org/MBSK, or call the Kristal Vazquez, administrative secretary of Urban Affairs Department, at 727-893-7885.