Harkins: Erie care provider awarded more than $23,000 to bolster security
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins March 11, 2020 | 1:42 PM
ERIE, March 11 – A $23,316 state grant will allow an area health care provider serving diverse communities in Erie to enhance security, state Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, announced today.
Harkins said the funding to Multicultural Health Evaluation Delivery Systems Inc., was awarded under the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, a new program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency that provides funding for nonprofit organizations serving groups vulnerable to hate crimes.
“Erie is a multicultural, open-hearted community that that draws strength from its diversity,” Harkins said. “Although we do not tolerate hate or violence, the reality of our modern world is that some groups still fear the threat of both.
“Securing this funding means that the dedicated providers at this important facility can continue to focus on caring for the diverse community they serve and that the residents of all cultures and backgrounds who walk through their doors every day can continue to feel safe.”
The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program – signed into law on Nov. 7, 2019, as Act 83 – provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving individuals, groups or institutions that the FBI has identified as potential hate crime targets.
Applicants are eligible for a broad range of security resources, including, among other things, safety and security planning and training, threat assessments, security upgrades, and the purchase of new equipment such as metal detectors, electronic locksets, surveillance equipment and other technology.
Harkins said MHEDS’ application was one of 113 selected to receive a total of about $5 million. Because of high interest and limited funding, priority among the 805 applications was given to nonprofits whose organization or membership was the victim of a hate crime and had clearly justified a credible hate-crime threat to their organization.
Applicants were entitled to request between $5,000 and $150,000. Those requesting more than $25,000 were required to provide non-state financial participation.