PORTSMOUTH, Va. — In Portsmouth, a local nonprofit is trying to reach kids and teens before the streets do.
Big H.O.M.I.E.S.– short for Heroes of Minority in Every Society– describes itself as a gun and gang prevention and intervention program. Founder Eugene Swinson said the focus is on neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by violence and crime.
“We try to service neighborhoods where the influences are kind of bad,” he said. “That would include places like London Oaks, Southside, [Dale Homes] … probably 80% of our kids come from those neighborhoods.”…