RI Receives $5.5 Million for Community Services Block Grant Program

Warwick, R.I. – April 13, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy and Jim Langevin announced today that Rhode Island will receive $5,527,291 for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.  This federal funding, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will assist community groups to provide job training assistance, housing assistance and nutrition programs, among other programs. “Rhode Island community service organizations have seen demand for services increase dramatically during these tough economic times.  I am pleased these funds have been released to provide additional resources to these groups which are on the front lines providing critical services to seniors, homeless, and low-income individuals.  This extra assistance goes a long way for basic necessities including housing, job training, heating assistance, and nutrition,” said Kennedy.
“This funding will target our neighborhoods most in need,” said Langevin. “Now is the time to focus getting our most vulnerable citizens back on track by assisting them with housing security and job training.”
Kennedy and Langevin noted that Rhode Island’s share of federal recovery funds to date from the US Department of Health and Human Services is $157,569,283. The CSBG funding released today is in addition to the state’s regular annual allotment. In FY 2008, Rhode Island received $3.62 million.

Under the Recovery Act, CSBG funding must be used to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and assist low-income families to become self-sufficient. 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 to keep people 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
To see a state-by-state description of CSBG Recovery Act funding visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/acf/csbgmap.html

Contact:  Joy Fox
(401) 732-9400