CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, stressed the importance of security enhancement funding for religious organizations and non-profit agencies at a community meeting.

After more than a year fighting for greater security funding for South Jersey religious and community centers, Rep. Norcross applauded the State for making $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.

“We need to counter discrimination, racism, anti-Semitism and violence at every turn by raising our voices and providing robust funding where it’s needed,” said Rep. Norcross. “Earlier this year, we saw hateful coordinated threats against religious community centers. Hate like that must be opposed and I promise to continue fighting against hate. I applaud the State funding that will help us prevent acts of violence before they happen and thank Dr. Rodriguez for his leadership on this issue at such a critical time.”

At the community meeting at the Betty and Milton Katz Jewish Community Center, the grant application process for the Security Enhancements Countering Unmitigated Risk in New Jersey (SECUR-NJ) program was described. OHSP will accept applications through May 24, 2017 at grants@njohsp.gov.

“We are proud to make these resources available to enhance security in areas of our state that previously have not benefited from federal security grant funding,” said Director Rodriguez. "During these trying times, my office remains committed to ensuring that nonprofits across our entire state have the resources they need for our citizens to gather freely and securely and I applaud Congressman Norcross for his strong commitment to keeping the people of South Jersey safe.”

Rep. Norcross has also led criticism of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for excluding South Jersey from federal Urban Area Security Initiative funds to safeguard our communities from terror attacks and threats. One-month ago he stood with Senator Cory Booker to publicly call for the funds at the same location as the community meeting today.

“Our religious, non-profit and community centers are vulnerable to attack and I will continue to fight for the federal funds that South Jersey needs and deserves,” said Rep. Norcross.

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Contact:
Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov