Congresswoman Simon Secures Over $1 Million in Federal Funding for Operation Ceasefire-Lifeline, Delivering Resources Back to Reduce Crime

OAKLAND, CA - Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) recently secured $1,039,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the City of Oakland, Department of Violence Prevention's Operation Ceasefire-Lifeline. Operation Ceasefire-Lifeline is an evidence-based focused deterrence program, with proven results in reducing violent crime and recidivism. This federal funding will enhance the capacity of Oakland DVP to deliver violence interruption and intensive social services for individuals who are at the highest risk for gun violence.

Yesterday, in East Oakland, she joined Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) Chief of Violence Prevention Dr. Holly Joshi, DVP Life Coach Harris Bradford, and "At Thy Word Ministries" Pastor Billy Dixon, Jr. to announce the funding and discuss the continued effort to reduce violent crime.

This Community Project Funding (CPF) is a part of the $11.2 million dollars that Congresswoman Simon secured for 15 projects across the East Bay in Fiscal Year 2026 funding. Each fiscal year, members of Congress can submit Community Project Funding requests for consideration with the House Committee on Appropriations. You can read about the 15 projects that Congresswoman Simon secured funding for in her first year here.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and proven programs like Operation Ceasefire-Lifeline get us closer to that goal. I am honored to deliver over $1 million in federal funding for the City of Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention to continue their work to reduce violent crime and recidivism through the Ceasefire-Lifeline program," said Congresswoman Simon. "Improving public safety in Oakland and breaking cycles of violence begins with programs like Ceasefire-Lifeline, which is why I fought hard for this federal funding in Congress. Thank you to Mayor Lee, DVP Chief Joshi, the entire Ceasefire-Lifeline team, and countless faith leaders like Pastor Dixon who have done the work day-in-and-out to build relationships in the community, support individuals with substantive counseling, and prevent violence before it happens. The work continues, and we are committed to creating safe communities for everyone in Oakland."

"Today marks a powerful moment for every Oaklander who has felt the weight of violence. Since reimplementing Ceasefire, Oakland has achieved a 34 percent reduction in homicides and a 33 percent reduction in shootings - proof that this program works," said Oakland Mayor Lee. "I am deeply grateful for Congresswoman Lateefah Simon's tireless efforts to further this $1 million federal investment. While this funding helps fill the gaps created by the current administration's divestment in gun violence prevention programs, we aren't stopping here. I remain committed to marshaling resources at the federal, state, and local levels that allow the City to continue these successful efforts, enhance public safety, interrupt group conflict, and drive down homicides-because when we invest in violence prevention, we save lives. Our partnership with Congresswoman Simon is critical to these efforts."

"The Department of Violence Prevention is incredibly grateful for Congresswoman Simon's tireless advocacy. Her ability to secure this investment in the important work we do will undoubtedly result in a safer Oakland," said DVP Chief Joshi. "Community Violence Intervention is a critical component of Oakland's comprehensive approach to public safety. It is evidence-based, data driven, and understands gun violence as a public health issue worthy of a strategy that provides individuals at high risk of involvement in violence a way out. We look forward to on-going collaboration with Congresswoman Simon and recognize her as a powerful advocate for the people of Oakland."

"This investment represents hope, healing, and a stronger commitment to protecting our neighborhoods and saving lives," said Pastor Dixon. "At a time when our communities continue to face the devastating impact of gun violence, this funding will provide critical resources to prevention programs, intervention services, and community partnerships working every day to make Oakland safer. We thank Congresswoman Lateefah Simon for standing with the people of Oakland and prioritizing violence prevention efforts that uplift families and strengthen our city."

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