“Dear PoP,

I would love to see what ideas your readers generate on how these funds could be well-used to help our community.

David Tumblin

Commissioner, Single Member District 4C06″

District Receives $16.4 Million in Community Services Block Grant Funds From Recovery Act

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced April 10, 2009 plans to make $1 billion available for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the new resources will be allocated to states across the country. The District will receive $16,427,550 that will be distributed to community groups that help Americans through tough economic times.

Under the Recovery Act, organizations receiving CSBG funding must use the resources to help get our economy back on track. Funds must be used to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and assist low-income families to become self-sufficient. Eligible entities use funds to provide services and activities addressing employment, education, housing, nutrition, and emergency services to combat the central causes of poverty.

Services currently provided by community organizations that receive CSBG funds include:

• Job training and placement assistance.
• Financial literacy programs such as credit counseling.
• Housing assistance programs that help keep Americans in their homes.
• Nutrition programs that provide meals for vulnerable families.
• Community agencies that bring public and private resources together to assist families in need.

The United Planning Organization, which is the District’s federally-recognized community action agency, is responsible for determining how these funds are distributed. Interested parties should contact Harvey Johnson, III, UPO’s Director of Public Awareness, for more information. He can be reached at (202) 238-4696 or by email at hjohnson@upo.org or info@upo.org.

Any ideas?