Building on the Success of 2023 Community Peacebuilding & Resource Fair
BALTIMORE, MD (July 18, 2024) – The Archdiocese of Baltimore, Health by Southwest and other community-focused partners are coming together to host a Gun Buyback on August 10, 2024, in the parking lot of Edmondson High School to encourage community members to safely relinquish any firearms in their possession. These community-driven and faith-based organizations aim to build on the success of the August 2023 Community Peacebuilding & Resource Fair.
The August 2023 Community Peacebuilding & Resource Fair removed 362 firearms – including handguns, semi-automatic weapons and stolen guns – off the streets of Baltimore in a call for peace. The event brought together 10 resource partners, including Youth Advocate Programs, Moms Demand Action and the Franciscan Center. Collectively, they shared information on employment services, mental wellness services, behavioral health services, expungements and more. Multiple elected officials spoke at the event, including Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Maryland State Senator Jill Carter, and Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby.
The Gun Buyback will take place concurrently to the Edmondson Farmer’s Market, which provides healthy and sustainable food in a community-driven setting. Event attendees are encouraged to visit the Farmer’s Market to browse their high-quality food and goods.
“This event is about building a coalition for peace and channeling hope to the community,” said the Rev. Michael Murphy, pastor of St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish and founding member of Health by Southwest. “We are taking action that is within our control as a community and are working together toward a better quality of life for all.”
Those interested in supporting the August 2024 Gun Buyback can learn more and donate here.
WHAT: Gun buyback. Those looking to turn in firearms should bring the unloaded firearms in the truck of their car and await further instructions at the event location. Limit three firearms per vehicle; 100 for handguns, rifles, ghost guns and shot guns; $200 for semi-automatic and fully automatic assault weapons.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Parking lot at Edmondson High School, 501 N Athol Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229.
About the Archdiocese of Baltimore
The Archdiocese of Baltimore, established as a diocese in 1789, comprises the City of Baltimore and Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard and Washington Counties. God calls the Catholics of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to be a welcoming, worshipping community of faith, hope, and love. Learn more here.
About Health by Southwest
Health by Southwest is a coalition of faith leaders and health providers that promote healthy communities and positive social determinants of health in Southwest Baltimore. Members include Catholic Charities, Mount Saint Joseph High School, My Brother’s Keeper, Saint Agnes Hospital, St. Joseph’s Monastery, and the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Learn more here.
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