Gov. Tom Wolf announced more than $5.23 million in funding awards to 120 churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other nonprofit organizations which service diverse communities, and often face bias and hate crimes, to improve their facilities’ security and protect them from hate.
The following were awarded funding in Bucks County: Ohev Shalom of Bucks County ($24,800), George School ($150,000), Salem United Church of Christ ($25,000), Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha – Northeast Inc. ($24,978), Congregation Tifereth Israel of Lower Bucks County ($21,240), and St. Robert Bellarmine Church – Archdiocese of Philadelphia ($24,832).
“I am very glad to see that this beautiful temple in Levittown will be able to bolster its security thanks to this state grant,” state Rep. John Galloway said of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha – Northeast Inc. in Levittown. “Our places of worship are our spiritual homes. From birth to death, they are the place we go to pray, worship and make affirming connections with our faith community. People must be able to go to their houses of worship knowing they are safe and free to worship without fear of violence. This grant will help keep Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha and its worshippers safe.”
On Salem United Church of Christ, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero said, “These Nonprofit Security Grant funds will allow Salem United Church of Christ to continue its service to the community, while better ensuring the safety of congregants and all who use the building. Freedom of religion means no one should fear for his or her safety while observing their faith. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, which is why these funds are so important to our community.”
“This is an investment in the safety and security of the diverse communities that are the tapestry of Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “It’s unfortunate that hate continues to surface here, hurting Pennsylvanians and tearing apart our communities. I will continue to stand with and support these communities in any way I can.”
The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, was established to provide grants to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. The categories include race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity.
Awardees can use the grant awards for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of their membership. Funding can be used for safety and security planning, safety and security equipment and technology, training, building upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments, and other security enhancements.
