Grants to help low-income residents become self-sufficient are awarded

MONTGOMERY — Helping families get their lives back on track, Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $3.4 million for programs that help low-income residents become economically self-sufficient.

The Community Services Block Grants will be distributed to 18 community action agencies – including six in North Alabama – to provide services at the local level to eligible individuals and families in Alabama.

“Many Alabamians through unforeseen events can be temporarily derailed from a successful path in life,” Gov. Ivey said. “The support provided through the Community Services Block Grant program helps those people get their lives back on track. I am pleased to support this program.”

The various agencies awarded the grants will use the funds for a range of programs including ones that train people in the skills needed to obtain jobs, help participants maintain the ability to stay in their homes and provide emergency assistance to prevent further declines in their lives. The types of assistance are determined by the local agencies based on needs in their regions.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in this program that allows people the opportunity to improve their circumstances and lead good, productive lives,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

Agencies, amounts and coverage areas include:

• Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. – $118,795 (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties)
• Community Action Partnership Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties – $233,197 (Limestone and Madison counties)
• Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. – $771,740 (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, and St. Clair counties)
• Community Action Partnership of North Alabama – $191,893 (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan and Winston counties)
• Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. – $44,915 (Walker County)
• Community Action of Etowah County Inc. – $76,539 (Etowah County)