tree of life synagogue

Pennsylvania Opens Grant Program For Faith Based Organizations Seeking Security Upgrades

Created in the wake of a shooting at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue, the grant program opened its application process last week.

Pennsylvania has introduced a new grant program allowing faith-based nonprofit organizations to receive funding for crucial security improvements.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency opened the program last week, which focuses on non-profits that principally serve people or institutions that are included within a “bias motivation category for a single bias hate crime incident” as identified by the FBI, according to MediaNews Group. Those categories can include race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity.

“Today marks another big step in reaffirming that regardless of faith or background, everyone deserves to feel safe in their place of worship,” state Sen. Andy Dinniman said in a statement. “I hope these grants will bring increased security, safety and peace of mind as we continue to stand strong against hate and violence and stand together in protecting the right to worship of all.”

The Non-Profit Security Grant Program was funded by the state legislature last year, with $5 million being dedicated to faith-based nonprofits. Eligible upgrades can include response training, vulnerability assessments, updates to facilities for security purposes and equipment including metal detectors, communications systems, trauma kits and more.

Organizations will be eligible for grants ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000. The commission will select nonprofits in coordination with the governor’s homeland security office and the Pennsylvania State Police.

Legislators pushed for the program following the 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, which took the lives of 11 people and injured seven more. The man accused of carrying out the attack told police that he wanted “all Jews to die” when asked what his motives were.

The rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes, as well as hate crimes against people of other faiths, has been a growing concern for federal law enforcement. Last fall, then-acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan appeared at the first meeting of a DHS subcommittee focused on violence against faith centers. He told the audience in Jackson, Mississippi that the agency was taking action against domestic terrorism against religious centers.

“I am concerned about the white supremacy and the extreme increases and the growing attacks, especially the ones we have seen on the houses of worship,” McAleenan said. “I absolutely agree it is a problem and we need to work to address it.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.