‘Project Restore,’ an initiative focused on reducing gang-related violence in Brooklyn neighborhoods, targets Brownsville next
DA Gonzalez: ‘This isn’t simply about putting Black and Brown people behind cages but instead providing opportunities so they can live better and safer lives’
Deshawn Willis, participant engagement coordinator at The B.R.O. Experience — a community-centered nonprofit organization focused on supporting the mental health, personal development and success of young men of color. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, and that step commenced in 2023 with “Project Restore Bed‑Stuy,” a pilot community intervention initiative with the objective to reduce gang-related violence in Brooklyn neighborhoods.
“It made a difference,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez told the Brooklyn Eagle, adding that the success of the initial pilot will now be extended to Brownsville.
“Project Restore Brownsville” will be operational in the coming months, Gonzalez told an intimate group at NYU’s campus in Downtown Brooklyn on March 11.
“Brownsville had a considerable decline in homicides in 2025: seven, down from 20 the year before,” Gonzalez said. “That said, we are investing in that neighborhood now because we want to keep that progress.”
Jeannie Lopez-Melendez, chief of Youth Empowerment and Community Solutions at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, pointed out that while Brownsville is the focus right now, the long-term goal is to address a different neighborhood in Kings County every year, especially “the places that we feel it’s needed the most.”
Origins and objectives
After the overthrow of two adversarial street gangs in Bed-Stuy six years ago, Gonzalez, Columbia University’s Center for Justice, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and a number of other local organizations created “Project Restore Bed-Stuy.”
The concept was to “restore” neighborhoods that have experienced persistent crime, especially drug markets, abandoned buildings and quality-of-life offenses through a 12‑month program targeted at 30 to 40 men aged 18 to 30. It focused on holistic support, mentorship, skills building and community engagement.
Gonzalez referred to “Project Restore” as a longtime dream.
“To get young men who were involved in gangs — those responsible for up to 60 % to 70% of the city’s shootings, statistics show — and work with them in ways that encourage them to be law-abiding, is truly an amazing thing,” he said.
“This isn’t simply about putting Black and Brown people behind cages, but instead providing opportunities so they can live better and safer lives.”
Eric Gonzales addresses the crowd. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
A light at the end of the tunnel
Deshawn Willis, 34, is currently a participant engagement coordinator for The B.R.O. Experience, a community-centered nonprofit organization focused on supporting the mental health, personal development and success of young men of color.
Three years ago, Willis was part of “Project Restore Bed‑Stuy.” He decided when he was 30 that he needed a change in his life. The program completely altered the trajectory of his existence.
“I spent a lot of time in the streets doing the wrong things. I had heard about ‘Project Restore’ and looked into it a little deeper,” Willis said. “Eventually, I came on board and quickly began to see a future for myself — a real light at the end of the tunnel.”
Willis said after seeing the positive effect “Project Restore” had on him and his community, he decided to branch out and join forces with The B.R.O. Project.
“I do what I do because it’s incredibly fulfilling to me,” Willis said. “I like to help as many people as I can.”
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