“We need to make sure services are available to assist families during these tough times,” said Stabenow. “This recovery funding will help low-income families across our state with housing and mortgage counseling, job skills training, income management, and food pantry assistance.”

“This federal economic recovery funding will help families in a variety of ways – from seeking education and employment to learning how to better manage their income and stay healthy,” said Levin. “These funds are even more important in a time of great need, and I am pleased they have been allocated swiftly in support of a worthy program.”

The CSBG program provides states and Indian tribes with funds to lessen poverty in communities. The funds provide a range of services to assist low-income individuals including the homeless, migrants and the elderly. Grant amounts are determined by a formula based on each state’s and tribe’s poverty population. Grantees receiving funds under the CSBG program are required to provide services and activities addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health.

As part of the ARRA, $1 billion was allocated today nationwide on top of CSBG’s regular annual operating budget of approximately $700 million.