Month: June 2020

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 17, 2020): Community Action Kentucky (CAK) today announced more than $16.8 million in additional Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding has been allocated to the state to support key economic recovery programs. The funds, which were passed as part of the national CARES Act in late March, will be divided proportionately to each of the 23 Community Action Agencies across Kentucky.

CSBG funding is 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. Each local Community Action Agency is able to tailor its specific programs to meet the local needs of the communities it serves.

“This additional CSGB funding comes at a critical time” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “It enables the Community Action Agencies to help more Kentuckians who are facing economic adversity. We’re proud to coordinate these efforts with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and grateful for National and State leaders who have worked to make it possible.”

Governor Andy Beshear said he is proud of the state’s partnership with CAK and its vast network that uplifts thousands of Kentuckians.

“In this test of our lifetime, families in need deserve easy access to federal and state assistance,” Governor Beshear said. “The Community Action Network will distribute this federal funding to help relieve families affected by job loss as we work together to stay safe, healthy and strong.”

Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said local community action agencies have unique awareness of their communities’ needs.

“Everyone is facing economic hardship right now because of the virus, especially the vulnerable customers served by CHFS,” Secretary Friedlander said. “With this additional funding, Community Action Agencies are here to help families get back on their feet and withstand this economic challenge. With all that has changed, one thing that hasn’t is our partnership with CAK, and we are thankful for the collaboration.”

The additional CSBG funding comes on the heels of the launch of an added spring enrollment period for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program, which is also a core Community Action program, was supported with an additional funding through the CARES Act to help struggling families pay home energy costs.

Community Action Kentucky and its statewide members are also playing a key role in the application and distribution process for the Commonwealth’s Team Kentucky Fund. Applications are being accepted now to help those that have experienced an employment-related financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

More information about Community Action Kentucky, its members and available COVID-19-related programs and services 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 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 improved health outcomes. 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.