First Baptist Church Of Hammond Indiana

First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana is a non-profit religious organization with a 136-year history, recognized as the largest congregation in Indiana. Located in historic downtown Hammond, the church provides diverse religious services in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and operates three private schools under its ministry umbrella. Registered in SAM.gov, the organization is a corporate entity with tax-exempt status that has been actively pursuing federal grant sub-awards focused on security enhancement and community safety infrastructure.

The church has received multiple federal grant sub-awards from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, primarily targeting security infrastructure and safety upgrades across its extensive six-block campus. These grants have funded critical security improvements, including access-controlled entrances, comprehensive surveillance equipment installations, ballistic glass protection, and emergency communication systems. The sub-awards specifically address security challenges in their main church auditorium, youth buildings, and private schools, with a focus on preventing potential threats, improving emergency response capabilities, and providing safety training. The grants have supported installing cameras in hallways, entrances, stairwells, and parking areas, implementing intercom systems, and providing "Stop the Bleed" emergency medical training for staff and volunteers. Each grant application detailed specific security incidents and potential risks, emphasizing the need for enhanced protective measures in a complex urban environment with proximity to Chicago and major transportation routes.