Greater Cincinnati receives more than $4 million in Community Services Block Grant stimulus funds

Greater Cincinnati job services organizations got a $4 million cash infusion over two years through a federal stimulus award.

The funds are part of a $38.9 million in additional funding Ohio received as part of the stimulus, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funds come in addition to approximately $27 million Community Services Block Grant Program, targeted toward the low-income, receives in funding annually. The money should be distributed in June.

“The services provided through this program will help strengthen Ohio’s communities and families,” said Gov. Ted Strickland. “President Obama’s decision to invest these funds in Ohio’s Community Services Block Grant Program will help more Ohioans get back on their feet during these tough economic times.”

Cincinnati/Hamilton County Community Action Agency was awarded just over $2.8 million, Clermont County Community Services received $433,822 and Butler County’s Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF) received $784,870.

Community action agencies provide services and activities addressing employment, emergency services, and other anti-poverty programs. 

“We are encouraging the community action agencies to focus the use of these Community Services Block Grant funds to support employment-related services and activities that create and sustain economic growth,” said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development.  “The funds will also be critical in helping reduce poverty, revitalizing low-income communities, and empowering low-income families and individuals to be self-sufficient.” 

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Ohio Department of Development
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