WASHINGTON, DC–After more than a year fighting for greater security funding for South Jersey religious and community centers, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) is applauding the State’s decision today to provide new Security Enhancements Countering Unmitigated Risk in New Jersey (SECUR-NJ) grants to local non-profit agencies and religious organizations.

“In the face of rising acts of hate, we need all the resources we can muster to stop and contain acts of violence before they happen. These funds will help us do just that. Hate instills fear in our friends and neighbors, and has no place in our community or anywhere in our country. With this assurance from Governor Christie and the State of New Jersey, we have an added measure of protection to stand strong in our efforts to shield houses of worship and community centers from those who wish to inflict harm. Our friends and neighbors in the Jewish, Muslim and all minority communities need to know we stand with them and are committed to their safety and well-being,” said Congressman Donald Norcross.

The State will make $1 million available to eligible 501c3 non-profit organizations in nine counties, including the seven South Jersey counties, who can apply for grants of up to $50,000.

Congressman Norcross has led criticism of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for excluding South Jersey from federal funds to safeguard our communities from terror attacks and threats. Norcross wrote to PEMA, which administers the area’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding, to request they share resources with South Jersey to protect all of the Philadelphia-area’s Jewish communities, and stood with Senator Cory Booker to publicly call for the funds. Click here for a full copy of Congressman Norcross’s letter.

“Acts of hate have a chilling impact, but they are no match for our collective resolve. My efforts for security will not end with these state grants. I will continue to pursue the federal funds South Jersey needs and deserves,” said Congressman Norcross. “Our religious centers, community centers and critical infrastructure sites are all vulnerable to attack, and I will fight to ensure they’re secure and South Jersey families are protected.”

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security (OHSP) will accept applications through May 24, 2017 at grants@njohsp.gov. For more information on SECUR-NJ, visit njhomelandsecurity.gov/securnj

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