Youngstown council members urge residents to use services to perhaps cut down on homicides

YOUNGSTOWN — Councilwoman Annie Gillam, D-1st, is urging city residents facing crises in their lives to call Guy Burney, director of the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, to avail themselves of a host of services, including dispute resolution, mental health, job placement and education-related assistance.

Gillam and several other current and incoming city council members gathered late this afternoon to conduct a news conference outside Youngstown City Hall in the aftermath of a series of homicides in the city within the past month.

Those with crises requiring immediate attention, such as suicidal thoughts or an immediate need for emergency shelter, should call Help Hotline, Gillam said.

Burney’s number is 330-742-8779. It is answered by a recording during nonbusiness hours, and messages may be left on his voicemail.

Help Hotline’s number is 330-747-2696. Help Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com