State Rep. Dale Carr, R-Sevierville, today encouraged eligible religious organizations in Sevier County to apply for a state grant to enhance security at their campuses.
The competitive grant is administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to assist houses of worship in hiring trained security professionals.
“Houses of worship should be safe places for communities to worship together,” Carr said. “Unfortunately, these buildings are often easy targets for bad actors to vandalize and attack. This grant is an important opportunity for houses of worship across Tennessee to ensure their facilities and congregations stay out of harm’s way. I strongly encourage all eligible organizations in Sevier County to apply.”
Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving as houses of worship can receive up to $100,000 under the grant program. Trained security professionals funded through this program can help respond in emergency situations and prevent tragedies before they happen.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 12. Instructions on how to apply can be found on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website, https://www.tn.gov/safety/homeland-security/grants.html.
The General Assembly devoted $750,000 to fund the Houses of Worship Security Grant as part of its $52.8 billion zero-debt balanced budget that was passed in April. Republican priorities include significant investments in rural and behavioral health care, school safety, education and public safety.