Rep. Gillen Delivers Over $2 Million in New Federal Security Funding for Houses of Worship

August 17, 2026 Press Release GARDEN CITY, NY — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) announced that eleven faith-based institutions in New York’s Fourth Congressional District have been awarded a total of more than $2 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to safeguard houses of worship and community spaces from security threats. Each institution will receive nearly $200,000 for safety enhancements, such as physical barriers, security cameras and contracted security personnel. Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for increased NSGP funding and has assisted Nassau County houses of worship in applying for and winning these grants. This year’s recipients include St. John's Baptist Church of Inwood, Young Israel of Woodmere, HALB DRS Yeshiva High School and several other houses of worship. “Long Islanders deserve to gather and pray safely without fear of violence. I’m proud to have secured this federal funding for religious institutions in Nassau County through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program,” said Rep. Gillen. “No American should feel threatened simply for practicing their religion. I will continue to work with all our houses of worship to bring more federal dollars back to Long Island and keep worshippers safe.” “Receiving this Nonprofit Security Grant Award is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Dr. Ruth Stanislaus, First Lady of St. John Baptist Church of Inwood . “It strengthens St. John's Inwood's ability to provide a safe and welcoming place for worship, fellowship, and community services. We are truly grateful to Congresswoman Laura Gillen for her support and partnership. This investment is not only in our church - it's an investment in the people and community of Inwood that we are privileged to serve." “Congresswoman Gillen has been tremendously instrumental in ensuring that houses of worship get the funding we need for security purposes,” said Rabbi Steven Saks of Congregation Sons of Israel . “She is a strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish community. Her courage and leadership are truly appreciated.” “We are sincerely grateful to Congresswoman Laura Gillen for her advocacy and support in securing this $190,000 Nonprofit Security Grant for Young Israel of Woodmere. The safety and security of our congregants, children, staff, and visitors is our highest priority, and these funds will allow us to further strengthen the measures we have in place to protect our community. At a time when houses of worship continue to face evolving security challenges, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an invaluable resource. We deeply appreciate Congresswoman Gillen's commitment to ensuring that we have access to the federal resources needed to provide safe and secure environments for everyone who walks through our doors. This investment is not only in our synagogue, but in the safety and resilience of the broader Long Island community,” said Steven Myers, Executive Director, Young Israel of Woodmere . “Security is a core cost that grows heavier every year, and the threats we plan for today didn't exist just a few years ago,” said Rabbi Adam Englander, Head of School, Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB) . “We're deeply grateful to Congresswoman Laura Gillen and everyone who fought to bring this federal Nonprofit Security Grant funding to HALB, helping us keep our students and faculty safe.” The funding will be administered through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYS DHSES) and is made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Rep. Gillen has continuously supported increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. She previously brought together interfaith religious leaders at Hofstra University to help prepare houses of worship in NY-04 to apply for NSGP funding.