For Immediate Release: 10/21/2021
State of New York | Executive Chamber
Kathy Hochul | Governor
GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATION PERIOD FOR NEXT ROUND OF GRANTS TO SECURE COMMUNITIES AGAINST HATE CRIMES
$25 Million Available Through the Division of Criminal Justice Services to Support Building Security and Training Projects
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the application period for $25 million in grants to strengthen safety and security measures at facilities of nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or missions. The funding is being administered through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and allows for the purchase of additional security needs.
"As New Yorkers, there is nothing we are more proud of than our diversity," said Governor Kathy Hochul. "Our state has long been a refuge for those who have been persecuted for how they worship, who they love, or where they come from. Despite that commitment to equality and inclusivity, there will always be those who seek to divide us. We will never let these bad actors tear us apart and this funding is critical to ensuring they don't."
As defined by state law, hate crimes are those perpetrated against individuals, groups of individuals or property because of a perception or belief about race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or other characteristics. These crimes adversely affect entire communities, not just the intended targets. New York State tracks these incidents separately from other crimes so trends can be monitored and steps can be taken proactively in their prevention.
New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "Hate has no place in New York, and the Assembly Majority is committed to ensuring that our state is inclusive and welcoming for all. This funding will give organizations the resources they need to upgrade their security against those that seek to bring hate and fear into our communities. We will continue to work to call out and stand up against hate and to ensure that every New Yorker - regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity - feels safe in their community."
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services First Deputy Commissioner Mark E. White said, "Public safety and equality go hand-in-hand. We've seen time and again the consequences of intolerance, discrimination and hatred, and the toll they take both financially and in the form of trauma inflicted on individuals, their loves ones, communities and even bystanders. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to preventing these vicious attacks by providing funds to deter hate crimes before they take place."
President and Founder of National Action Network Rev. Al Sharpton said, "The legacy of hatred and racism in our country is too often one of violence. That violence cannot be ignored or swept under the rug and I commend the Hochul administration for recognizing the unique needs of the African American community in providing this funding for the safety and security of our community organizations.
President Marc Morial of the National Urban League said, "It's no secret that African Americans regularly are targeted for racially-motivated violence and discrimination. It is a lived experience seen all too often in far too many of our communities. The non-profits and organizations established to serve our communities are no different, and I appreciate Governor Hochul's demonstrated commitment to their protection."
CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York Eric S. Goldstein said, "We are grateful to Governor Hochul for issuing the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant and for her commitment to strengthening New York's nonprofit organizations and helping to keep our communities safe."
JCRC-NY Executive Vice President and CEO, Gideon Taylor said, "To date in 2021, the NYPD reports 450 hate crimes, 158 were Anti-Jewish. Unfortunately, this year is also setting records for Anti-Asian, Anti-Catholic, Anti-LGBT and Anti-Transgender crimes. Even one crime motivated by hate is too many. For years, Governor Kathy Hochul has been a leader in the battle against hate in our state. With this new round of SCAHC grants she will help to ensure that those entering communal institutions will be safe and secure. We are deeply grateful."
President and CEO of the LGBT Network David Kilmnick, PhD. said, "The LGBTQ community has long been the target of hate violence. Most tragically, we saw this hate manifest itself five years ago when nearly 50 LGBTQ people were shot and killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. But closer to home, we have seen an increase in hate crimes against LGBTQ New Yorkers in recent years. I commend Governor Hochul for providing these grants to help communities protect themselves against hate violence."
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations at Agudath Israel of America said, "With anti-Semitism and hate still unfortunately around, it is more important than ever that our institutions have the ability to take all necessary measures to ensure their proper security. We thank Governor Hochul for recognizing this threat by beginning the next round of funding applications for these important security grants and encourage all eligible entities to apply."
Executive Director of the Asian American Federation Jo-Ann Yoo said, "The Asian-American community has been the target of an astonishing increase in hateful acts of violence. As New Yorkers, our safety and security matter, and by making this funding available to the organizations that serve our community in particular, Governor Hochul has demonstrated how seriously she takes this issue."
Evan R. Bernstein National Director of the Community Security Service said, ""I am very happy to the see the new round of much needed grant funding for securing communities against hate. Thank you Governor Hochul and the State of New York for continuing this initiative at a time when we are seeing a rise in hate crimes. This crucial funding will allow numerous nonprofits across the state to boost infrastructure and security and be able to deal with assaults and attacks considered crimes involving hate."
Managing Director at Orthodox Union Maury Litwack said, "The release of this grant program is a critical resource to secure communities across the state. Governor Hochul's announcement shows just how seriously her administration is taking the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in New York and other hate crimes-we welcome this release of security funding and the additional grant funding which will help to protect New York families, communities and institutions"
President and CEO of the Chinese American Planning Council Wayne Ho said, "With anti-Asian hate crimes still on the rise, it is more important than ever to support community based organizations that provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services. I want to thank Governor Hochul for taking steps to protect Asian-American community organizations in our state and for making these issues a priority for her administration."
Through the latest round of funding, awards of up to $50,000 will be granted to support two-year contracts that are expected to begin in June of 2022. Funds can cover exterior or interior security improvements, including lighting locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access control, shatter-resistant glass, blast-resistant film and public address systems. Funds can also cover costs associated with security training.
Eligible organizations may submit up to three applications for a maximum of $150,000. Each facility will require a separate application. Facilities that have previously received Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program funding are not eligible; however, organizations may apply for more than one facility.
Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418