Senator Hassan Leads New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in Announcing $4.8 Million for State Homeland Security Program; NH Nonprofits, Including Houses of Worship, to Receive More than $2.1 Million in Grants to Increase Safety
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, led Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas in announcing more than $4.8 million for the State Homeland Security Program and $200,000 for Coos County to help secure the Northern border with Canada. New Hampshire nonprofits, including houses of worship, will also receive $2,104,092 under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Senator Hassan has successfully worked to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
“Granite Staters should not be worried about their safety while they are worshipping in a church or volunteering at a nonprofit in their community,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to announce a significant investment in New Hampshire nonprofits so that they can beef up their security. These nonprofits make a tremendous impact in their communities, and we must make sure that they’re protected against any potential threats.”
“As nonprofits and houses of worship across the nation continue to face violent threats and attacks, I’m glad to see these funds from the Department of Homeland Security heading to New Hampshire to better protect Granite Staters from senseless violence,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll always advocate for investments in public safety and security measures, ensuring everyone can safely practice their faith.”
“The recent increase in attacks on houses of worship and non-profits across our state is deeply concerning – no Granite Stater should be afraid for their safety when they are out in our communities,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I am pleased to see these resources heading to New Hampshire to help improve and upgrade security measures and strengthen public safety.”
“All Granite Staters should be able to practice their faith at their houses of worship or seek critical services at non-profit organizations without fearing for their safety,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding for New Hampshire nonprofits and houses of worship will improve their security to help ensure that no one lives in fear of a violent attack, and I will continue to fight for additional funding and support to keep our communities safe.”
The following New Hampshire nonprofits will receive federal grant funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to strengthen preparedness against threats:
- Calvary Bible Church, Derry— $57,981
- Center Harbor Congregational Church, Center Harbor— $108,300
- Etz Hayim Synagogue, Derry— $92,220
- Grace River, Claremont— $41,000
- First Baptist Church of Hampton Falls, Hampton Falls— $41,918
- Newfields Community Church, Newfields— $123,900
- Parish of the Resurrection, Nashua— $77,500
- St. Paul's Church, Concord— $55,420
- Temple Beth Abraham, Nashua — $38,050
- Crossing Life Church, Windham— $150,000
- The First Church, Nashua— $141,321
- The Zeal Movement, Manchester— $87,300
- United Church of Christ, Keene— $65,000
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, Nashua— $148,692
- Claremont Learning Partnership, Claremont—$150,000
- New Hampshire Technical Institute, Concord— $146,490
- Cornerstone Christian Academy, Ossipee— $20,000
- Plymouth State University, Plymouth— $150,000
- Trustees Of Dartmouth College, Hanover— $150,000
- Windham Crossing Learning Center, Windham— $135,000
- Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, Northern New England Region — $18,000
- Seacoast Repertory Theatre, Portsmouth — $106,000
New Hampshire nonprofits and houses of worship discussed the importance of these grants.
“At the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, the safety of our members is our number one priority,” said Craig Fitzgerald, the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua. “These funds will help us strengthen the physical security of our building, where we serve hundreds of children from across the Greater Nashua Area each and every day. Sincere thanks to the state and federal officials who made this happen, and who continue to show strong support for our local youth.”
“This grant is vital to enhancing safety and security on NHTI’s 250-acre campus that includes residence halls and welcomes the public for a variety of events and occasions,” said NH Technology Institute President Dr. Patrick Tompkins. “Additional cameras will provide coverage for blind spots, and building access controls will especially benefit students who live on campus. The safety of students, staff, faculty, and guests is essential to our continued service as Concord’s Community College.”
“Cornerstone Christian Academy is extremely thankful, and [the grant funds] will allow us to address needed security upgrades inside and outside our building,” said Darrin Forehand, Headmaster of Cornerstone Christian Academy. “We appreciate that you see the security concerns for houses of worship and are willing to help them [be] safe places.”
“Plymouth State University greatly appreciates this grant award,” said Donald L. Birx, president, Plymouth State University. “It will enable us to better protect our campus community and its many visitors through the acquisition and installation of video surveillance equipment in high traffic locations and buildings campus wide.”
Senator Hassan is leading efforts to strengthen security at houses of worship and nonprofits. Former President Trump signed into law bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Hassan to codify that grant funding for houses of worship and nonprofit organizations must be available for small states like New Hampshire, not just major metropolitan areas, and Senator Hassan successfully worked to quadruple funding for the program. Senator Hassan also introduced the bipartisan Pray Safe Act to establish a federal clearinghouse through which faith-based organizations and houses of worship could access information on safety and security best practices, available federal grant programs, and training opportunities.
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