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![HUD](bybkhudlogo.gif) ![- BuyBack America](bybktopic0.gif)
![- Press Release](bybktopic1.gif) ![- Fact Sheet](bybktopic2.gif)
![- Funding Information](bybktopic3.gif)
![- What's Happening in Your Community](bybktopic4.gif)
u.s. department of housing and urban development |
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fact
sheet
What
is BuyBack America?
Secretary Cuomo is launching BuyBack America, the largest nationwide campaign
to buy back unwanted guns and raise awareness about the importance of
gun safety. Already, eighty-four communities from across the country have
pledged their commitment to saving lives by signing up to participate
in this initiative. Utilizing HUD funds, Public Housing authorities are
partnering with local governments, police and sheriff's departments to
buy back unwanted guns, taking them off the streets and out of the hands
of criminals and children. In exchange for the guns, local officials provide
either cash or gift certificates for food, toys, or other goods. Local
merchants, who recognize the significant benefits of the initiative, are
enthusiastic in their support, donating additional items to people who
turn in their guns.
Why
Buy Back Guns?
Public safety is key to economic revitalization and community empowerment,
which stand at the center of HUDs mission. Buybacks allow people
to take personal responsibility for reducing gun violence and promote
safety in their own communities. Taking guns off the streets will help
reduce the terrible toll of gun violence. In the United States today600
deaths and 1,800 injures occur every week in gun crimes, accidents and
suicides. As President Clinton has said, "Every gun turned in through
a gun buyback program means potentially one less tragedy."
How
is HUD Helping?
This targeted violence reduction effort is funded through HUD's Public
Housing Drug Elimination Program, which is designed to help local communities
combat crime in and around public housing developments. Millions in funds
have been made available specifically for gun buybacks. The funds are
awarded for gun buybacks on a first-come, first-serve basis, to housing
authorities who then partner with local governments and police departments
to sponsor the buybacks.
What
Happens with the Guns?
All guns purchased with HUD funds are destroyed, unless they are found
to be stolen or are needed for ongoing law enforcement investigations.
Any stolen weapons collected will be returned to their lawful owners.
Local law enforcement agencies will recover, track, and dispose of guns
in strict accordance with nationally-defined procedures, such as tracing
of guns through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the National
Crime Information Center.
View the Published
Brochure
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