Cleaning and greening vacant properties can reduce gun violence by as much as 29%.

With homicides trending up since 2013, and a record high of 562 gun deaths in 2021, community members need concrete solutions. Many solutions focus on long-term impact, including nearly 80% of the City of Philadelphia’s anti-violence spending, but immediate, actionable approaches are also needed.

Research shows that greening and cleaning vacant properties is one of the most impactful, cost-effective interventions available to reduce gun violence in a neighborhood. Dr. Eugenia South and her team have demonstrated that greening vacant lots in Philadelphia reduced gun violence by as much as 29% in the surrounding area.

Community groups have been cleaning up lots in their own neighborhoods for decades. Large organizations like the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society have cleaned, greened and now maintain thousands of lots. Their efforts have been instrumental in proving this approach works.

We are a group of volunteers with a vision to empower local residents and organizations to reduce gun violence through data-driven environmental interventions in Philadelphia.

You can search and find vacant properties that match your goals. Use our data to understand those properties and how to take action.

Getting legal access to a property is often a barrier. We use our data to help you understand your options and get support.

We suggest a range of ways to transform properties to reduce gun violence, and connect you to resources to help you do it.

Groups across Philadelphia are already taking action to reduce gun violence. Join them!