This workshop was an excellent overview of HUD’s Gun BuyBack Program. The goal of the HUD sponsored program is to limit restrictions in order to encourage creativity and brainstorming among organizations. Cedric Brown, Special Assistant, Office of Public and Indian Housing, HUD, says "Gun Buyback is like a tree that has many branches. The program has the potential to branch out in many ways. The buyback is like the root of the tree—you can take it in many different directions and brainstorm within the community for ideas."

After briefly discussing the guidelines for receiving HUD funds for the program, the session focus shifted to the methods in which participants implemented the programs. Dennis Morgan, Executive Director of the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, told of the free media coverage generated from a news release. Other session participants told of non-monetary vouchers in the form of gift certificates and boxing tickets, and involving surrounding communities in a broad-based effort to remove weapons from the streets.