Maryland Gov. Wes Moore releases additional state funding for security against wave of hate crimes
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced on Monday that the state will allocate an additional $1 million in grants to local organizations and religious institutions to enhance their security measures in response to a recent surge in hate crimes and incidents.
Under the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, eligible organizations will be able to apply for emergency state funding of up to $40,000 to safeguard themselves against hate crimes, as stated in a news release from Moore’s office.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to a significant rise in hate crimes and hate incidents targeting both Jewish and Muslim communities in the United States, according to Moore’s office, which references the Anti-Defamation League and Council on American-Islamic Relations. The Associated Press reported that Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend their cease-fire for an additional two days, while over 1.1 million Palestinians have been displaced due to Israeli bombardment.
To date, the Moore administration has already been overseeing the distribution of $5 million in grant funding throughout the current fiscal year, aimed at enhancing security systems and personnel in nonprofits and faith-based organizations.
Dorothy Lennig, the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, emphasized that the governor’s office has been actively engaging with concerned communities regarding their ability to protect themselves from incidents of hate. Lennig further reassured faith-based and non-profit communities that they will not have to wait until the start of a new grant funding cycle to access the necessary resources for at-risk communities.
In September, the Moore administration awarded approximately $16 million in grants to 118 faith-based organizations and nonprofits through a Department of Homeland Security program, specifically designed to enhance security personnel, equipment, planning, exercises, and training.
Dr. Lora Hargrove, the Interfaith Outreach Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, emphasized their commitment to denounce religious intolerance and emphasized the agency’s dedication to uplifting the power of collective humanity through community outreach and support. Dr. Hargrove also highlighted the office’s continued collaboration with community partners.
The application process for the grants will open on Tuesday and remain open until January 10.
In response to the recent wave of hate crimes and incidents, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has pledged an additional $1 million in grants to bolster security measures for local organizations and religious institutions. Eligible entities can apply for emergency funding of up to $40,000 through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. This funding aims to protect against the surge in hate crimes targeting Jewish and Muslim communities in the wake of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The governor’s office is taking proactive steps to address these concerns and has already distributed $5 million in grant funding for security upgrades to nonprofits and faith-based organizations. The application process for the grants opens today and will run until January 10. This initiative showcases the Moore administration’s commitment to safeguarding at-risk communities and denouncing religious intolerance.
