Congress must fund crucial initiative

As the federal budget process continues to unfold, I'm writing to bring attention to a critical program we rely on here in Erie, Huron, and Richland counties. Over one in ten people in Ohio lives in poverty. Poverty exists in nearly every city and county in the U.S., but what's happening in Sandusky, Norwalk, or even Mansfield isn't the same as in San Francisco — which is why local control matters. We don't need a one-size-fits-all federal solution. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) supports the work of the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc. (CACEHR) in all three counties through the provision of various resources to tackle poverty at its root causes, including services that address housing, employment, transportation, emergency assistance, and other essential needs. CSBG helps our community to achieve economic stability through programs that assist applicants with the necessary skills to succeed, including vocational training, car repair assistance, and bus tickets to assist with transportation to and from work or school. Other emergency services include clothing assistance to prepare children for school and adults for the workforce. Food services that provide emergency food boxes for those in crises, and emergency housing programs that include rent, mortgage, utility, and emergency home repair assistance. CACEHR also runs an essential closet in Richland County that provides light cleaning and hygiene supplies every 90 days based on the applicant's household size to help keep the household healthy and safe. I serve as the President and CEO of the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties, Inc. (CACEHR), and our annual reporting shows we have assisted 14,306 individuals and 6,856 households. Two of many success stories include: A. When a community member's car broke down, stopping her from getting to and from work, we stepped in. She received CSBG Car Repair services, enabling her to keep her job and continue working without interruption. In a situation like this, one small intervention can help avert a crisis and prevent someone from needing additional help. B. Often, all it takes for someone to remain in their home is a modest adjustment. In 2024, we used CSBG funds to make handicap accessibility modifications to a resident's home, allowing her to stay in her home and better manage her disability. Long-time homeowners in situations like this often don't have the option of buying a more expensive home and are at risk of housing instability. CACEHR purpose is to aid low-income, especially vulnerable populations, in achieving their potential by strengthening families and providing other supportive services to meet monthly obligations to avoid homelessness, service interruption, foreclosure, etc. Our goal is to provide help before a crisis strikes, preventing the need for long-term and costly aid. And this is why CSBG is a vital part of our programs. I'm grateful that the Community Services Block Grant continues to see bipartisan support, and I'm hopeful that Congress will continue to fund this crucial initiative. Yours in service, Janice W. Warner, CCAP Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc. President/CEO