(From left) Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) and LGBT Center Executive Director Amber Roadcap at a press conference.
Several local organizations will receive financial assistance to support their safety efforts.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visited the LGBT Center of Central PA on Wednesday to announce a safety grant awarded to the organization, as well as many others in the state.
“As an organization serving a marginalized community that has experienced hate crimes in the past, the opportunity to have a more robust security measure is of paramount importance,” said Amber Roadcap, executive director of the LGBT Center.
The total $10 million in funding comes from the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program and benefits 208 nonprofits, places of worship and community centers with money for safety upgrades.
According to Davis, the commonwealth’s 2024-25 budget included twice the amount of funding for the security grant program as it did last year.
“Unfortunately, we are dealing with an uptick in crimes targeting marginalized communities,” Davis said. “Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to love who they love, pray how they want to pray, and be their most authentic selves, free from the threats of violence and harassment.”
The LGBT Center was awarded $25,000, which Roadcap said will help them upgrade their security system. And while the upgrade will help keep the physical space safe, Roadcap described how it will also help provide peace of mind to the center’s community members.
“We are on the precipice of a pivotal election for the LGBTQ community,” Roadcap said. “LGBT folks having a safe and affirming space where they can gather, not just for advocacy and resources and services, but to build community and connection is crucial.”
The following Dauphin County organizations also received grant funding:
- Chisuk Emuna Congregation—$20,000
- Jewish Federation Greater Harrisburg—$150,000
- Kesher Israel Congregation—$25,000
- Market Square Presbyterian Church—$25,000
- SOAL: Saving Our Ancestors Legacy—$105,983
- Temple Ohev Sholom—$18,180
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
