October 18, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY − October 18, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced today $292,952 for security improvements at houses of worship across the 10th Senate District. The funds come from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
“Freedom of religion means no one should fear for his or her safety while observing their faith,” said Senator Santarsiero. “While we all wish it wasn’t the case that houses of worship require increased security, we know in the current climate security improvements are necessary.”
The funding will benefit eight congregations across the Senator’s district, an increase from previous years, due to an additional $5 million in program funding in this year’s budget.
Santarsiero continued, “Interest in the Non-Profit Security Grant Program has far exceeded the program funding in recent years, so I am thrilled the allocation was doubled in this year’s budget, increasing the availability of these critical funds.”
The Non-Profit Security Grant Program administers funds to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents. For more information, visit the PCCD website.
The 10th Senate District includes Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Plumstead Township, Solebury Township, Tullytown Borough, Upper Makefield Township and Yardley Borough.
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April 14, 2022
BUCKS COUNTY — April 14, 2022 — State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $25,000 in funding will go to Salem United Church of Christ in Doylestown Borough for security improvements. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
“These Non-Profit 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,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “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.”
The grant funds will be used to help offset the cost of replacing and repairing older doors and windows in the historic church building.
“Salem United Church of Christ is excited to learn of being the recipient of a PCCD Non-Profit Security Grant in the amount of $25,000,” said Pastor David Green. “This will enable our congregation to repair and upgrade timeworn entry doors, windows, and lock hardware in our historic building in Doylestown. Security is an important need, particularly for a church like Salem which hosts diverse groups and events, including programs for LGBTQ+ youth and families. In the truest sense, Salem is a sanctuary from bigotry and hatred, and this grant will make our safe space even safer. We are most grateful for the support and advocacy of Senator Steve Santarsiero and his staff in the grant application process, and thankful for his dedication to ensure the safety of every citizen of the 10th District.”
Salem United Church of Christ provides a safe space to many diverse groups, including a dedicated space for The Rainbow Room, a local LGBTQIA group.
The Non-Profit Security Grant Program administers funds to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents. For more information, visit the PCCD website.
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March 10, 2021
BUCKS COUNTY – March 10, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced $98,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that will help local houses of worship make security improvements through its Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
The breakdown of entities receiving funds and how much they have received is:
- St. Mark A.M.E. Zion in Newtown: $24,995
- Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley: $24,975
- Temple Judea of Bucks County in Furlong: $21,847
- St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perkasie: $13,346
- Jewish Center of Eastern Bucks/Chabad Lubavitch of Yardley: $12,838
“The Non-Profit Security Grant funds will allow these houses of worship to make security enhancements to protect the safety and security of a diverse cross-section of our community,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “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.”
The Non-Profit Security Grant Program administers funds to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents. For more information, visit the PCCD website.
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