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 $927,000 in Grants to Increase Safety
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, led Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) in announcing that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded New Hampshire more than $4.8 million for the State Homeland Security Program. New Hampshire nonprofits, including houses of worship, will also receive $927,608 under the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Senator Hassan has successfully worked to increase funding for this grant program.
“Houses of worship are meant to be peaceful spaces where religious communities can come together, which makes violent threats and attacks on these spaces all the more upsetting,” said Senator Hassan. “After hearing directly from Granite State nonprofit and religious leaders about the importance of these grants, I have worked to increase funding for this program – and I am glad that now even more New Hampshire nonprofits and houses of worship will benefit from this program. I will continue to work across the aisle to protect our homeland security.”
“I’m glad to see this funding from the Department of Homeland Security headed to New Hampshire nonprofits and houses of worship to better protect Granite State communities from senseless violence. These federal dollars will help implement security measures for communities throughout the state to ensure families practicing their faith can do so in peace and free from threats,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’ll keep working to provide additional federal assistance that invests in security measures to keep all Granite Staters safe.”
“This federal funding for New Hampshire non-profits and houses of worship to improve and upgrade their security measures is an important investment in public safety,” said Rep. Kuster. “Granite Staters have the right to worship wherever and however they choose without facing threats of violence, and I’m glad to see this federal funding headed to our state to make our communities safer.”
“Everyone in New Hampshire should be able to freely worship as they choose without fearing for their own safety,” said Congressman Pappas. “These funds will protect non-profits and houses of worship in New Hampshire and ensure people are safe when they come together and practice their faith.”
The following New Hampshire nonprofits and houses of worship will receive federal grant funding to help combat foreign and domestic terrorist threats:
- Brookside Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Manchester -- $60,300
- Main Street United Methodist Church, Nashua -- $20,645
- Saint Joseph Cathedral, Manchester -- $150,000
- Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester -- $150,000
- Temple Beth Abraham of Nashua -- $117,350
- Temple Beth Jacob, Concord -- $50,050
- Temple Israel, Manchester -- $150,000
- Temple of Israel Portsmouth -- $79,263
- The Crossing Life Church, Windham -- $150,000
"Temple Adath Yeshurun is greatly appreciative to FEMA, for a Nonprofit Security Grant, and to the State of New Hampshire for disbursing these funds. Feeling safer in our synagogue is a blessing. We are also thankful to Senator Hassan, who is always responsive to our concerns,” said Rabbi Beth D. Davidson, Temple Adath Yeshurun, Manchester, NH.
"The congregation of Main Street United Methodist Church is so grateful for the assistance given to us through this program!” said Reverend Kristy Besada, Pastor at the Main Street United Methodist Church. “With the security improvements that this grant will finance, we will be better able to serve our community and also protect the vulnerable among us from the rise of white supremacy and other violent movements, which continue to act out in this community. Thank you for your generosity as we continue to serve the Greater Nashua region."
“Temple Beth Jacob is thankful for receiving this grant, as we are a small community and the grant allows us to continually reassess and develop the security needs of our facility,” said Rabbi Robin Nafshi of Temple Beth Jacob. “By doing so, we can take additional steps to help protect our community in an ever challenging environment where antisemitisim is on the rise.”
“Brookside Congregational Church sincerely appreciates the grant award. It will enable us to replace doors that are not security rated, update the physical access system to the church, and install surveillance cameras. The enhanced security will protect the community we serve,” said Dale Trombley, moderator, Brookside Congregational Church.
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. The Senate also passed Senator Hassan’s 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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