Community Action faces ‘urgent challenges’ amidst funding cuts
Provided photos: From left, Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and CAOG’s Weatherization manager Jeff Atwell met in Albany to advocate for HEAP funding for the Weatherization program.
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, like many agencies, is navigating significant uncertainty and difficult funding realities, according to executive director Renee Hungerford.
“Coping with cuts to programming has required thoughtful prioritization, creativity and constant communication with the people we serve,” Hungerford said. “Our focus has been on protecting core services as much as possible while being transparent about what changes mean in real terms. It’s not just an operational challenge, it’s about supporting individuals and families through disruption while ensuring staff are not carrying that burden alone.
“Over the past several months, advocacy itself has become a significant part of this work. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time writing letters and testimony traveling to Washington and Albany and engaging directly with elected officials. While this advocacy is essential, it necessarily pulls time and capacity away from other critical agency responsibilities – and that is a reality many community organizations are grappling with right now.”
Hungerford continued to say, “At the same time, we are beginning to see that sustained advocacy does make a difference. This week’s release of GSBG funding by OMB is an encouraging step and a reminder that collective voices matter. This is the power of what our elected officials, from both sides of the house, can accomplish when working together for the things that matter most.
“However, we are still facing urgent challenges. The removal of Weatherization Assistance Program funding from New York State’s HEAP budget has serious implications for households who rely on these services to remain safe and stable. Weatherization has live-changing impacts, particularly for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.
“All of this is happening at a time when funding has been cut, resources are stretched thin and reductions to SNAP and Medicaid have driven need to unprecedented levels. Added to this, increased prices have made basic needs unreachable for many. In the midst of that, I have been deeply moved by the response of our community. We have seen an outpouring of generosity – from donations to volunteer support – often offered quietly and anonymously.”
Hungerford also expressed her sincere gratitude to their staff.
“They continue to show up every day and fight for people who often do not have a voice,” she said. “The work is hard and the environment is stressful, yet their dedication never wavers. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing team we have at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee and for their commitment to our mission of helping individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency.”
Community Action’s executive director Renee Hungerford, fourth from the left, met recently with colleagues from the New York State Community Action Association in Washington, D.C.
