Community Action leader says loss of federal funding would harm vulnerable residents

Editor:

I am writing to raise awareness about the significant impact our community will face if the proposed elimination of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is enacted. CSBG serves as the foundational funding source for Community Action Agencies across the nation.

At Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, our mission is to partner with individuals and families to help them achieve self-sufficiency.  While we hope you never need our services, we are committed to being here if and when you do.

Our agency offers a wide range of programs designed to support individuals facing economic hardship, personal loss, or unforeseen challenges. These include Head Start, child care assistance, case management, high school graduation support, youth development programs, weatherization services, air conditioning assistance, a low-cost thrift store, nutrition programs, and social care services. We are not about handouts—we are about helping people build a path to success.

In Orleans County, the poverty rate stands at 13%, and in Genesee County, it is 10.6%. Both counties are experiencing population decline and a shortage of medical providers, making it even more critical to address health-related social needs. Our agency meets these challenges with compassion, care, and a deep understanding of our local needs and struggles.

Poverty exists in every corner of the United States, but the needs of our rural counties differ greatly from those of urban centers like New York City. Local control is essential. Through a comprehensive community needs assessment conducted every three years, we tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of our residents.

This is why CSBG is so vital. It is a locally driven initiative that leverages a modest federal investment to help more than 10 million Americans work toward economic independence. In the past year alone, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee supported nearly 5,000 individuals in their pursuit of financial stability. Every federal dollar we receive is matched by an additional 15.5% from state, local, and private sources—an exceptional return on investment.

In 2022, Congress reauthorized CSBG with strong bipartisan support. Our agency is held to rigorous standards, with funders requiring detailed reporting to ensure measurable outcomes. CSBG embodies core American values: local decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity.

Eliminating CSBG will not necessarily result in significant federal savings. On the contrary, it threatens to dismantle a proven, cost-effective support system that uplifts our most vulnerable neighbors. The loss of our agency—and the dedicated volunteers who make our work possible—would be devastating to our community.

I urge our community members and policymakers to recognize what is at stake and to advocate for the preservation of CSBG before it is too late.

Renee Hungerford, CEO

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee