Community Action leader advocates in DC for critical federal funding

Provided photos: The Community Action of Orleans and Genesee CEO Renee Hungerford, right, traveled to Washington, DC to press for funding for the local agency.

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee

ALBION – Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, recently spent a week in Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the critical importance of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).

“Helping people to stay out of poverty and stand on their own two feet is something that I believe any political party can get behind,” Hungerford said. “I am thankful for the words of support we have received. During these times of economic difficulty, the assistance we provide to someone in need is more important than ever.”

During her visit, Hungerford emphasized the vital role that the CSBG plays in supporting low-income families and communities. She highlighted how CSBG provides flexible funding that enables Community Action Agencies to offer programs like Head Start and Weatherization, in an efficient and low cost manner.

“Our ability to offer a wide range of programs with one central administration creates efficiency and cost savings,” Hungerford said.

During the visit she also discussed the importance of supporting preservation of the grant programs that fund Head Start and Weatherization.

“Community Action Agencies are held accountable to achieve outcomes,” she said. “We are not about handouts; our mission is to help people achieve self-sufficiency and provide help during a challenging time.”

The Community Services Block Grant is the backbone funding source for Community Action. There are 1,000 Community Action agencies in the country with 47 in the state.

For every $1 from the CSBG, the Community Action agencies leverage $10.54 from other sources, including volunteer hours, to make a positive difference, Hungerford said.

“We build strong communities and families beginning with Head Start through social programs and transportation for seniors,” she said. “We address health-related social needs which are a key driver of positive health outcomes.”

The agencies also are important parts of their local economies, providing meaningful employment for staff and offer work development to others who go on to become agency staff, obtain other employment, or start businesses, Hungerford said.

“This investment, in turn, becomes an investment in the economy of the communities we assist,” she said.

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee remains committed to its mission of reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency through various programs and services. Hungerford’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, underscore the organization’s dedication to securing resources that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

For more information, please contact: info@caoginc.org.