The Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Initiative is a program of the Office of Violence Prevention at the Boston Public Health Commission. VIP works in 6 micro-neighborhoods averaging 900 households. These neighborhoods have high rates of gun violence but strong community infrastructure. Each VIP neighborhood has its own resident coalition coordinated by a local community organization. VIP coalitions ensure that residents have the knowledge and resources they need. They make residents feel empowered to be part of the solution and create sustained change in their communities.