The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has steered $375 toward programs aimed at reducing poverty through community-based programming.
With the funds coming courtesy of a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the money is the third installment of CSBG funding for states, territories and tribes this fiscal year and is aimed at upholding services that lessen the causes and conditions of poverty.
“This funding will allow local organizations that know their communities best to do the important work of lifting Americans out of poverty by creating opportunities for health and wellness that would not be available otherwise,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a press release. “At HHS, we work hard to reach all communities where they are and to deal with the disparities caused by racism, discrimination, or economic distress. We know that deep disparities pervade our healthcare system, and we will not rest until health equity is available to all Americans.”
The new funds bring the overall total CSBG has released for the cause in fiscal year 23 to more than $750 million.
“Local community organizations are critical to alleviating poverty and supporting people who have the greatest need. When CSBG grant recipients partner with over 1,000 local Community Action Agencies, they are able to tailor services to meet the needs of neighbors in their own backyard,” said ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras.
CSBG is one of seven anti-poverty programs administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Community Services, housing support, food and nutrition programs, transportation assistance, job training, education, disaster response and recovery, community asset-building initiatives and many other regional services aimed at removing barriers to economic mobility are among the slew of local services that receive funding from the CSBG. In addition to acting as organizers and coordinators in their communities, CSBG-funded organizations support extensive community-based anti-poverty activities.
“Local community organizations are critical to alleviating poverty and supporting people who have the greatest need. When CSBG grant recipients partner with over 1,000 local Community Action Agencies, they are able to tailor services to meet the needs of neighbors in their own backyard,” added ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras.
