ST. LOUIS — The city's Office of Violence Prevention is notified every time a violent crime occurs.
The director, Wilford Pinkney Jr. said he believes our community can change.
"First and foremost my condolences to everyone that lost a loved one this weekend," Pinkney said. "There's too many lives lost."
Six people were killed and three others injured across the city over the weekend, including Sunday morning near the intersection of 16th and Pine streets.
Police said 25-year-old Tawan Ward was shot and killed there. A family member said Ward was killed while celebrating his birthday with friends.
Pinkney said despite all of the violence, there's hope just one month into the new year.
"Reach out to a friend or a neighbor for help. There are resources out there for you. And now's the time when we really need to make sure we're getting that word out even more. But just know there is hope," Pinkney said.
There have been 17 homicides so far this year in St. Louis; that number is up from 11 during the same period in 2023.
Pinkney said the solution will take more than just policing.
"The police department can't do this by itself. Yeah, we know they're short-staffed, so that's a challenge. But just in general, if we're talking about really trying to connect with people before they engage in violence, that's not something that the police can do," Pinkney said.
OVP hosts monthly community "kickbacks" where gun safety, mental health and domestic violence, and job resources are offered. Pinkney said that won't stop.
"It doesn't stop because the weather gets cold, because the snow drops, because ice is there. We have continued our kickbacks through the winter. There are many people that are struggling, have struggled. There's been years of disinvestment and other issues in many of these communities that experience violence," Pinkney said.
Meanwhile, the Office of Violence Prevention will host its next community kickback on Feb. 17 in Baden at Living with Purpose from 2-5 p.m.
5 On Your Side reached out to St. Louis police for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Police urged anyone with information on this weekend's crimes to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Ward by his family.