LiveFree OKC stripped of millions to reduce community violence

An Oklahoma City nonprofit working on community violence intervention and reduction has now been stripped of a $2 million grant it was previously awarded in late 2024. 

LiveFree OKC CEO Jess Eddy said it was tough news for the organization’s staff. 

“I met with the peacemakers late into the evening last night to let them know everything I know and the reality of the situation,” he said. “And it was difficult. You never, as a colleague and as a leader, never want to have to communicate that to your staff.” 

LiveFree pushes for expansion 

When LiveFree was awarded the grant in the fall, which it jointly accepted with Diversion Hub, the goal was to expand its community violence reduction efforts and the holistic diversion resources available to people involved. 

As part of the effort, LiveFree recently onboarded new team members: but now don’t have grant dollars they expected to support those people across the next three years. 

“They were just hired,” Eddy said. “They're excited to go out and convince people to choose a better way of living, to support people who are hurting. And it's great to see people excited about that, you know? So, it's really pulled the rug out from under us.” 

Understanding the decision 

A Department of Justice Spokesperson wrote in a statement to News 9,

“This Department of Justice is focused on prosecuting criminals, getting illegal drugs off of the streets, and protecting American institutions from toxic DEI and sanctuary city policies. Discretionary funds that are no longer aligned with the administration’s priorities are subject to review and reallocation.” 

That explanation leaves Eddy confused, who said nothing was polarizing about their work. 

“We don't think our work is DEI,” he said. “We think it's critical lifesaving public health work. I'm just hopeful that Oklahoma City residents, people in this city who live and breathe and want to live safe and healthy lives, appreciate what we do and why we do it.” 

LiveFree is losing out on roughly $1.5 million from the grant, which had not yet been delivered or spent. Eddy said the department is currently not clawing back already spent funds. 

Now, the organization is looking to its donors to help bridge the gap. 

Eddy also said it will look to state and local lawmakers for additional assistance in the future.