How Fixing Up Homes Reduces Gun Violence
Does sprucing up abandoned homes really help reduce gun violence? The answer is yes, according to a 3-year study done by University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University researchers. Dividing the 258 randomly-selected houses into three groups and providing varying levels of interventions to them, they found that the houses that received both maintenance and yardwork saw a 13% drop in gun assaults. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Sammy Caiola, gun violence prevention reporter at WHYY, about these results and their implications, what it would take to widely implement this solution, and other work communities around the city are doing to clean up vacant lots.
Check out Sammy’s reporting on this, and dive deeper into the study itself.
Learn more about the Young Chances Foundation, the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), and #JustServicesPHL.
We mentioned the dumping that happens around the city. Listen to yesterday’s episode to learn more about "Why Illegal Dumping is Still a Messy Issue.”
Want a cheatsheet to what’s happening in the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly!
We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly
Have some thoughts on a recent episode? Let us know your hot takes by leaving us a voicemail or sending us a text at 215-259-8170.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Who Owns Philadelphians’ Family History?
Mayor Cherelle Parker recently inked a deal with the genealogy research company Ancestry.com, allowing the website to add Philadelphia’s...

ICE Bill Advances Despite Potentially "Legally Problematic" Language
We’ve been following the progress of a bill that aims to limit how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers can operate in Philadelph...

How to See Art Everywhere in Philadelphia
Philly is known as the mural capital of the world. But murals are just one form of public art – and our city is teeming with many more. T...

Is Philly Really Walkable?
Can you walk to the grocery store or commute to work on foot? For many Philadelphians, this isn't possible. But the city keeps receiving...

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor — Presented By City Cast Philly
Philadelphians, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices a...

Deadly Garage Collapse, Fight over President’s House & Guest Parking Passes Go Digital
It’s the Friday news roundup! First, we have the latest on a deadly parking garage collapse in Grays Ferry. We’ll talk about the most rec...

What Could the Future of Baltimore Avenue Look Like?
Baltimore Avenue has beloved coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and bookstores, like Little Bean, a new addition to the corridor. But thing...

Could Pennsylvania Finally Raise Its Minimum Wage?
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a slew of bills that would reshape some aspects of life in the state. Lawmakers vote...

You Should Join a Club This Week. Here's How.
Philadelphia boasts dozens of clubs, civic organizations, and communities that can help denizens get connected and stay engaged. But find...

Philly’s Thrifting Secrets
As the weather warms up, it’s time to ditch winter clothes for shorts and skirts. But how can you build the perfect summer wardrobe witho...


