COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

Contact: Visudha de los Santos
Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
P.O. Box 48300
Olympia, WA 98504-8300
Telephone: 360.725.2852
E-mail: visudhad@cted.wa.gov

State Website: http://www.cted.wa.gov/csbg
Local Link: http://www.cted.wa.gov/site/285/default.aspx

Participation: The Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) served 15,361 participants in workforce development programs during January 1, 2006-December 31, 2007.

Who is Served: Citizens with incomes at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible.

Program Description: The purpose of the CSBG program is to encourage local communities to establish goals that address the causes of poverty. Funds support the costs of implementing comprehensive local plans designed to eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency among needy residents. The grant can support 84 activities and services, including housing assistance, emergency services, education, job readiness counseling, job placement assistance, nutrition, asset building, and transportation services.

Other Program Characteristics:

• CSBG-funded activities are tied to long-term accountability measures with federal, state, and local private and public funders.

• Community Action Agencies are collaborators and supporters for a variety of workforce development initiatives at the local level.

• Community action strengthens the social service infrastructure necessary for employment.

Program History: The CSBG Program is a continuation of the war on poverty program created by Congress in 1964. Funds and policies were transferred to a state block grant in 1981.

Planning Cycle: Two-year state plan, with annual local plan.

Outcome Measures:

• Unemployed people obtained employment.

• People who were employed obtained an increased income.

• People started small businesses through enterprise training and technical assistance.

• People obtained living wage employment and benefits.

• People obtained access to reliable transportation and/or drivers licenses to acquire or maintain employment.

• People received diplomas or certificates after completing pre-employment skills training.

Funding and Regional Division: The state contracts with 31 community action agencies, some serving more than one county, that address the causes of poverty in every local community in the state. Each community action agency must submit an annual Community Action Plan. Funds are distributed by a formula developed in collaboration with the Washington State Community Partnership. Funds are allocated according to the 1990 census of the number of persons living at or below 125 percent of poverty.

State Funding: None.

Federal Funding: $909,100 (January 1-December 31, 2007) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for workforce development programs from the overall block grant budget.

Statutory Authority: Federal - P.L. 105-285. Administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, and Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.