Category: News

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2020): In response to the COVID-19 emergency, Community Action Agencies across Kentucky are now taking applications for an added spring open enrollment period for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put many families under unprecedented stress. They should not have to worry about how they will keep their lights on and cook for their children,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “That is why this new Spring LIHEAP couldn’t come at a better time. It will help take some of that stress off. When it is combined with other Community Action services, LIHEAP will really help families and communities in their efforts to recover and rebuild.”

The program, which is designed to help low-income households offset home energy costs, has increased income eligibility requirements to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The benefit amount awarded is based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher.

Each year, the 23 Community Action agencies provide home energy assistance to over 100,000 Kentucky families through LIHEAP. Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action outreach office for specific applications instructions.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.

• Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.

• Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.

• The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information about LIHEAP and a 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 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.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2020): Community Action Kentucky has been selected as a strategic partner for the state’s Team Kentucky Fund. Governor Andy Beshear and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman announced the partnership during the governor’s daily briefing today at the Capitol.

“We are going to be partnering with Community Action of Kentucky. We are going to be partnering with this group because they have a long history of impactful work. This organization is going to serve as the hands and feet of this mission,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said.

Gov. Beshear, along with the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, took executive action March 23 to establish the Team Kentucky Fund, an online platform to provide help to Kentuckians affected financially during the COVID-19 emergency.

“More than 7,000 people have donated. Most of the donations were less than $100,” the Governor said. “We’ve also had some businesses and private donors step up with gifts from $10,000 to the $1 million announcement we had from the Kentucky Colonels just yesterday.”

With outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action Kentucky is uniquely positioned to maximize delivery of Team Kentucky Fund donations. As the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across the commonwealth, Community Action Kentucky is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater economic stability and improved health outcomes.

“Community Action Kentucky is honored to partner with Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman to efficiently and expeditiously distribute financial support to those impacted by COVID-19 on behalf of the Team Kentucky Fund,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “Through our statewide network of Community Action agencies and state-of-the-art custom software system, our robust infrastructure can ensure these generous donations can be dispensed quickly to those in need. This crisis and resulting efforts to rebuild our economy are deeply personal for all those involved in delivering upon the Community Action Promise. We’re proud to be part of Team Kentucky.”

Through an array of resources and programs, Community Action Kentucky and its member agencies provide life-changing support in a variety of service areas, including food security, workforce development, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, youth enrichment and more.

The objective of the Governor’s Team Kentucky Fund is an extension of Community Action Kentucky’s core mission. By building upon Community Action Kentucky’s existing capabilities, the commonwealth will be able to make an even greater impact on the lives of all affected Kentuckians.

“I want to thank everyone for their generosity in this,” the Governor said. “Nobody’s personal finances are in a positive place as we go through this. Thinking about the fact that people have donated already $1.9 million to help out their fellow human being is once again passing that test of humanity.”

Gov. Beshear is asking those who are able to help to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund. Donations to the Team Kentucky Fund can be made at www.donate.ky.gov. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit 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, workforce development, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, 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. (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.  

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2019): Enrollment for the Subsidy Component of Community Action Kentucky’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will run Nov. 4 through Dec. 13, 2019. Applications must be made during the set enrollment period and will be taken in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the head of household’s last name.

LIHEAP, a program designed to help low-income Kentuckians offset home heating costs, 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 are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher. All eligible households will receive a benefit. Enrollment for the Crisis Component, which helps income-qualified households with a verified home heating crisis, will begin in January.

“As we transition into the late fall and early winter, heating costs begin to rise. For thousands of people across Kentucky this creates a tremendous financial hardship, leaving many to go without,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “By helping to ensure that no household is left in the cold, we are also helping to create a healthier living environment for seniors, children and adults of all ages.”

Each year, Community Action Kentucky and its 23 Community Action member agencies provide heating assistance to over 100,000 Kentucky families through LIHEAP. Kentucky’s network of Community Action agencies collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local agency for specific application instructions. Pre-registration may be available at some agencies for applicants who are 60 and older or are disabled, and receive a fixed income, but dates vary.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
• Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
• The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Community Action Kentucky administers 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 contact information for all local Community Action agencies 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 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.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 3, 2019): Community Action Kentucky today launched its newly revamped website, www.capky.org. The site highlights the vast resources available across the state through Community Action Kentucky and its member agencies. Visitors can now more easily find their local Community Action office, as well as learn more about the broad-reaching programs and services available to Kentucky’s low to moderate-income citizens.

“We’re excited to launch our new site, giving visitors a better and more engaging experience,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “We’re very proud of the work that our member agencies are doing throughout the Commonwealth and this site allows us to better tell that story. Furthermore, the new site magnifies our desire to create mutually beneficial partnerships to enhance our portfolio of programs.”

Community Action Kentucky members work daily to directly address the underlying issues that impact a person’s health and well-being, otherwise known as the social determinants of health. These issues include housing, food security, transportation, education, employment and income, family and social support, utilities and more.

“When an individual lacks any one or more of these basic needs, it creates a ripple effect on not just their health outcome, but on the health outcomes of their family members and limits their ability to achieve self-sufficiency,” added McCann. “Whether it’s providing hot, nutritious meals, making home energy improvements, securing safe and reliable transportation, or removing any other barrier that allows our citizens to improve their economic standing, Community Action is on the ground level making it happen.”

With at least one outreach office in every Kentucky county, the state’s 23 regional Community Action agencies tailor programs and services to the local needs of their respective communities. The new Community Action Kentucky website showcases the collective impact these agencies are making, improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each and every year.

Also accessible on the new website is a link to Community Action Kentucky’s Community Needs Assessment survey. The annual survey gives all Kentuckians the opportunity to voice their opinion on the specific needs in their own communities. The results are used by each of the regional agencies to add, modify or enhance program offerings.

“Last year, more than 17,500 people made their voices heard through our Community Needs Assessment survey,” said McCann. “We invite everyone to participate and play an active role in improving their community.”

Information about Community Action Kentucky, its member agencies, resources and more can be found 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 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. (July 11, 2019): Community Action Kentucky today announced the establishment of a GoFundMe account set up by Harlan County Community Action to support miners and families recently affected by the Blackjewel LLC mine closures.

Approximately 1,100 employees of the company have been left unemployed across the Appalachian region, including hundreds in eastern Kentucky. Miners received final paychecks on June 28, 2019, only to have them pulled from bank accounts on July 1. Many miners and their families have been left with negative bank account balances, unable to pay for basic needs.

Harlan County Community Action set up the GoFundMe account to directly help miners and their families meet immediate needs such as mortgage assistance, rent, utilities and food. All money donated is tax deductible and will go directly to impacted workers.

“Community Action agencies across this state serve as a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people each and every year,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “Devastating events such as the Blackjewel mine closures exponentially increase the demand for Community Action services and the need for community partners, state and local officials and the community at large to come together to support our fellow Kentuckians in need.”

“Our hearts hurt for the miners and families that have been so suddenly thrown into a world of economic distress and uncertainty,” said Donna Pace, executive director of Harlan County Community Action. “We greatly appreciate the support of our Community Action community for helping us raise awareness about this time-sensitive crisis. Even more though, we are grateful for those that have donated or will donate, helping to ease the financial burden thrust upon those directly affected by this massive loss of jobs.”

To donate directly through the GoFundMe account, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/DonatetominersHarlanCAA. Donations may also be dropped off in person Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Harlan County Community Action, located at 319 Camden Street Harlan, KY 40831.

Information about Harlan County Community Action, its services and community impact can be found at www.harlancountycaa.com.

Information about Community Action Kentucky, the state association supporting all 23 Community Action Agencies across Kentucky, can be found at www.capky.org.

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About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is a 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 27, 2019): 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, 2019, 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.

“We are happy to be able to extend the enrollment period for the LIHEAP Crisis Component, giving those struggling to pay their heating bills more time to access these critical funds,” 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.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2019): Community Action Kentucky today announced open enrollment for the Crisis Component of its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2019 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.

“Each year, the Community Action Kentucky Partnership helps provide heating assistance to over 100,000 Kentucky families through LIHEAP,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “This year we received an increase in appropriated funds, which we hope will allow us to assist even more households, making it possible to improve the lives of Kentuckians working to achieve economic stability.”

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.