Navigating Security Risks for Community Service Nonprofits: Pittsburgh to Columbus

Types of Threats to Community-Based Ethnoreligious Organizations

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), hate crimes in the United States reached an all-time high in 2023.  Race, ethnicity, and ancestry-based hate crimes constituted the vast majority of the incidents, followed by religion and sexual orientation-based hate crimes.  Hispanic and Black communities faced a disproportionately high risk of becoming victims of race or ethnically motivated violent crimes.

Hate Crimes:

• 11,862 hate crimes were reported in 2023.
• Race, ethnicity, and ancestry-based hate crimes accounted for 52.5 percent of all reported incidents.
• Religion-based hate crimes constituted 22.5 percent of reported incidents.

Vandalism and Theft:

• 32 percent of hate crimes were against property in 2022.
• There were 3,215 hate crime incidents against personal residences in 2022.

Targeted Violence:

• 66 percent of hate crimes were against persons in 2022.
• Intimidation, simple assault, and aggravated assault were the most common hate crimes against persons in 2022.
• Anti-Jewish hate crimes increased by 36 percent between 2021 and 2022.

Community Service Organization Security Vulnerabilities

The non-profit financial cycle can lead to resource constraints, which can hinder organization’s ability to (i) provide comprehensive support to their clients, and (ii) reduce community organization’s ability to provide for the safety of their staff and visitors.  Additionally, many community service organizations are located in busy areas that present significant security challenges.  For nonprofit organizations that service ethnic and immigrant communities, in particular, there are there can be linguistic and cultural consideration to contend with.

Limited Resources:

• 41.59 percent of nonprofits lack adequate financial resources.
• 46.48 percent on nonprofits report rising operating costs.
• These budgetary limitations can reduce community service organizations’ ability to provide a safe and secure environment for their staff and visitors.

High-Traffic Areas:

• Increased risk of property crimes or vandalism.
• Difficulty monitoring and controlling access to the facility.
• Potential for conflicts or incidents due to a higher volume of foot traffic.

Diverse Clientele:

• Cultural and linguistic differences can make communication between neighborhood residents, staff, and visitors challenging.
• Entrenched and newfound biases may influence how residents perceive the ethnic community nonprofit and the services it provides.

The Impact of Socio-Political Climates on Community Organizations’ Security Needs

Community organizations, especially those which support ethnic and/or immigrant populations, are directly and indirectly affected by geopolitical events, national domestic politics, and regional/local political landscapes – all of these variables can significantly influence the safety concerns and security requirements for nonprofits.  These factors can affect public sentiment, funding availability, and the physical safety of community service organizations’ staff and visitors.

Geopolitical Influences

• International conflicts and global events can influence local communities that serve ethnic and immigrant populations. 
• According to the Anti-Defamation League, there was a 388 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. from 2022 and 2023.
• The antisemitic attack increase between 2022-2023 is likely due in part to international conflict.

National Domestic Politics

• Policy changes and political rhetoric can also influence community nonprofits’ security needs.
• According to the FBI, there was an 11.6 percent increase in hate crimes from 2021 to 2022, which highlights the potential correlation between political events and security risks to specific communities.

Regional and Local Politics

• Local political climates directly affect community organizations’ operations and safety.
• The data suggests that local political polarization can cause higher rates of incidents against minority-serving organizations.
• The National Conference on Citizenship found the political polarization-incidents against minorities increase to be as high as 23 percent.

The Security Challenges Facing Ethnic Nonprofits: Pennsylvania and Ohio

Local demographics, socioeconomic factors, and political climates shape the security challenges for ethnic nonprofits in Pennsylvania and Ohio.  In particular, community organizations serving the Jewish and Latino communities must navigate a complex landscape of potential threats while continuing to provide essential services to higher-risk or vulnerable populations.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, in particular, has faced heightened security concerns for several years. 
• The rate of hate crimes in Pittsburgh grew 14 percent in 2019. 
• The Greater Pittsburgh Region’s Latino community is growing and has faced incidents of harassment and bullying.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• 54 hate crimes were reported in Philadelphia in 2021, with race/ethnicity/ancestry accounting for the majority of incidents. 
• Between 2010 and 2020, the city’s Latino population grew by 27 percent.
• Anti-hate crimes totaled 27 in Philadelphia in 2023, the highest number ever recorded.

Columbus, Ohio

• Between 2020 and 2021, Columbus saw a 41 percent increase in hate crimes, with a total of 61 incidents recorded.
• The Latino population of Columbus grew by 45 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to Ohio’s Latino Affairs Commission.
• Right-wing extremists conducted a march/rally in the Short North area of Columbus in November 2024.

Cleveland, Ohio

• Cleveland reported 33 hate crimes in 2021, with race/ethnicity/ancestry being the most common motivation.
• Antisemitic teleconference/online classroom hijackings were used to disrupt synagogue events in 2020.

The Importance of Enhanced Security for Community Service Nonprofits

Ethnic community nonprofits face a complex array of security challenges due to their unique role in serving diverse populations that are often targeted by hate crimes and violence.  These organizations must navigate socio-political influences that exacerbate security concerns, while operating under financial constraints that limit their ability to implement effective security measures.  In states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, local demographics and political climates further complicate these challenges.  Enhancing security for these nonprofits is crucial to ensure their continued ability to provide essential services and support to vulnerable or higher-risk communities.

Here are three easy ways nonprofits can enhance their security:

Increase Community Partnerships

Ethnic nonprofits and community service organizations should build relationships with local first responders and security experts.  Local law enforcement, paramedics, and fire departments are excellent resources for community organizations.  Private security consultants also serve as an integral part of community security partnerships.

Conduct a Security Needs Assessment

In Pennsylvania, the State Police Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Team (RVAT) conducts free security assessments for a variety of organizations.  Reputable private security companies are also a good source for security or threat vulnerability assessments.  Oftentimes, private security firms will enhance free government assessments, help with vulnerability remediation, and can employ intelligence and other services – such as armed guarding – if warranted.

Apply for Nonprofit Security Grants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided $454.5 million in FY 2024 for facility hardening and other physical and cyber security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at a high risk of attack.  Nonprofits in Pennsylvania can apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which offers funding up to $150,000 for security improvements.  In Ohio, the Security Grant program awards up to $100,000 per site for security improvements.

Ultimately, security threats will continue to evolve, and it is crucial for ethnoreligious organizations to stay proactive in protecting their communities.  At Convoy Group, we offer custom security assessments and tailored solutions to help your nonprofit navigate these challenges effectively.  From protective intelligence, to executive protection and armed guards, our team of national security professionals and industry experts can help enhance the safety and security of your community.