CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Alternatives to Violence is a program in Charlotte focused on further connecting with the community in efforts to help put an end to youth violence. The group takes a boots-on-the-ground approach and hosts a monthly community event. They give out free food, strike up a conversation, and provide resources like community violence interrupters.
Kwasi Amponsa is the program director with ATV. He told WCNC Charlotte “This is a public health approach to dealing with violence and the disparities that we face in these communities. "
The weight and importance of each event grows with the uptick in violence. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it's investigating at least 30 homicides this year so far, in the first quarter alone.
At this same time last year, there were 24 homicides recorded. And in 2022 there were 19.
"We have to be a presence in the community, to let the people know that we're here," Amponsa said. "We love you. We care about you. We support you. Tell us what you need, and we try and make it happen for them.”
Community members are confident that connecting can truly make a difference. Akousa Amponsa lives in Charlotte and said that kind of outreach is critical to making those first steps to improving communities.
“One way to raise awareness is just to come together, so we actually know what's going on in our communities," she said. "And if you're somewhere hidden and we don't know then it's kind of hard to kind of attack the issue. So I think this is where it starts connecting and being more community."
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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