BUFFALO, N.Y. —  Following of one of the most violent summers in recent memory, Buffalo clergy are joining forces with law enforcement to help bring some criminals to justice.

"We have agreed this morning that because of the limited funds that are available to the district attorney we're going to help with that funding as far witness protection is concerned," said Rev. William Gillison of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Members of the Concerned Clergy of Western New York met with elected officials and law enforcement Wednesday to talk about ways to help witnesses feel safe in coming forward.

"There was a consistent theme among all the pastors that there is a concern about their members of their congregations who have information about a crime and are afraid to come forward," said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

He says often those witnesses who do come forward are relocated or put up in hotels during and following a trial. He says the cost for a single witness can run in the thousands of dollars.

"A $1,000 security deposit, $1,000 first month's rent, the cost for a moving van to come, a couple hundred dollars, and some incidentals, food to get them started in a new apartment,” he said. “That case right there was probably $3,000, $4,000."

Currently, Flynn says the local witness protection program gets its funds from the state, but the money available only totals about $400,000. With the help of local clergy, he's hoping it'll be easier help protect people willing to come forward.

"I can assure you we are together, we are one. One mission, the mission is keeping our streets safe," said Flynn.