Month: March 2020

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 31, 2020): Community Action Kentucky and its 23 member agencies across the state applaud the passage of the Economic Stimulus Bill in response to the nation’s COVID-19 health crisis. Our statewide network of Community Action agencies, volunteers and dedicated partners are on the front lines every day working to assist Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens achieve self-sufficiency and improve health outcomes.

Included in this historic stimulus bill is $1.9 billion in increased funding to support two vital programs delivered by Community Action agencies across the country, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). CSBG was allocated $1 billion in additional funding while LIHEAP will receive an additional $900 million in funding to help Americans rebound from this national crisis. 

CSBG is a diverse program designed to give Community Action agencies the ability to provide a wide range of support in the areas of employment, education, transportation, food security, housing and more. LIHEAP is utilized to support individuals and families struggling to pay utility costs. Both programs are instrumental in Community Action Kentucky’s ability to provide comprehensive services that directly address the Social Determinants of Health.

This crisis and resulting efforts to rebuild our economy are deeply personal for all those involved in delivering upon the Community Action Promise. While the exact amount of Kentucky’s allocation is still to be determined, we are extremely encouraged by what this means for our ability to expand our support to those in need of help.

Community Action Kentucky would like to thank President Donald J. Trump and members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for their quick action and support of our clients. We look forward to working with federal, state and local partners to put this money to work as soon as possible.

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 About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 30, 2020): Community Action Kentucky is extending its enrollment period for the Crisis Component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will now be accepted through April 30, 2020, a 30-day extension, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Qualified residents should apply at any one of the 23 Community Action Agencies located across the state.  

“Extending the enrollment period for the LIHEAP Crisis Component will provide Kentucky’s most vulnerable with a resource to continue paying their heating bills during these challenging times,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “Each year, the Community Action Kentucky Partnership provides heating assistance to over 100,000 Kentucky families through LIHEAP. We encourage qualified applicants to check with their local Community Action Agency as soon as possible to secure available funding.” 

LIHEAP support is divided into two components, a Subsidy Component and a Crisis Component. The Subsidy Component can offset heating costs based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits, which range from $34 to $274, are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor. Enrollment for the Subsidy Component is open November-December each year. 

To utilize the Crisis Component, applicants must meet the same income eligibility requirements as the Subsidy Component, as well as have received a “disconnect” notice from their utility company or be within four days of running out of a non-metered fuel such as propane. Applications are being accepted now for the Crisis Component. 

Kentucky’s network of 23 Community Action Agencies, which collectively operate outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties, administer LIHEAP in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a pass-through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. More information about LIHEAP, including a program fact sheet and listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.  

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 About Community Action Kentucky 

Community Action Kentucky is a statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.