Allegheny House Dems welcome over $1 million for safer communities

PCCD grants for security upgrades at nonprofits, houses of worship

Allegheny County Delegation    December 14, 2023 | 1:24 PM

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 14 – The state Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded more than $1 million in state grants to 16 area nonprofits and one law enforcement agency, members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives announced today.

“Our sanctuaries and schools should be places of peace and reflection, but we know from bitter experience that threats and violence can shatter that tranquility and endanger congregants and other visitors,” said state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny. “This new funding will help ensure that residents who gather in these beloved community spaces enjoy the safety and peace of mind they deserve.”

Awards to organizations in Allegheny County through PCCD’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program include, but are not limited to:

  • $150,000 to Chabad Lubavitch of South Hills Inc.
  • $150,000 to Congregation Poale Zedeck.
  • $150,000 to Tree of Life Inc.
  • $111,500 to Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh.
  • $25,000 to Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh.
  • $24,000 to Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh.

Entities can use NSGP funding for a wide variety of eligible security enhancements, including safety and security planning and training; purchase of safety and security equipment and technology; upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security; and vulnerability and threat assessments.

Additionally, the Clairton City Police Department was awarded $35,000 through PCCD’s Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement program to help fill vacancies within the department.

A full list of grants awarded across the state in this round of PCCD funding is available here.

In addition to Frankel, the Allegheny County Delegation comprises state Reps. Aerion A. Abney, Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Matthew Gergely, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Brandon Markosek, La’Tasha D. Mayes, Joe McAndrew, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano, Lindsay Powell, Abigail Salisbury, Mandy Steele and Arvind Venkat.