CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced $4.5 million in Community Services Block Grants to support programs aimed at reducing poverty and helping low-income residents achieve economic self-sufficiency across Alabama, including in Calhoun, Etowah and Cleburne counties.
The funding will be distributed to 18 community action agencies statewide. These agencies will use the grants to provide services such as employment assistance, budgeting education, and emergency support for essentials including housing, food and health services.
“Many families and individuals experience hardships that leave them struggling to find their footing financially,” Gov. Ivey said in a statement. “These grants and programs will offer a hand up to people in need and guide them onto a path toward economic stability.”
Local impact in Calhoun, Cleburne and surrounding counties
The Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties Inc. will receive $254,882to serve residents in Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega counties. Programs funded through the grant may include job training, financial literacy education and emergency assistance based on local needs.
In neighboring Etowah County, Community Action of Etowah County Inc. has been awarded $115,977 to provide similar support services for eligible residents.
State officials said the grants are designed to help individuals and families move toward long-term economic stability by improving access to employment opportunities and essential resources.
Statewide funding and administration
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these programs that give people the chance to take control of their lives and finances,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Other agencies receiving grants
Additional community action agencies receiving funding include:
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Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. — $165,981 (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale)
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Community Action Partnership Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. — $300,332 (Limestone, Madison)
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Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. — $64,617 (Walker)
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Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. — $254,990 (Autauga, Chilton, Elmore, Shelby)
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Community Action Agency Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa — $78,660 (Chambers, Coosa, Tallapoosa)
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Montgomery Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. — $229,352 (Montgomery)
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Organized Community Action Program Inc. — $198,252 (Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes, Pike)
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Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. — $961,254 (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair)
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Mobile Community Action Inc. — $398,576 (Mobile, Washington)
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Macon-Russell Community Action and Community Development Corporation Inc. — $91,223 (Macon, Russell)
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Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. — $20,883 (Pickens)
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Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership Inc. — $234,971 (Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry, Houston)
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Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. — $249,292 (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Winston)
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Community Action Agency of South Alabama — $294,138 (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe, Wilcox)
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Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. — $442,565 (Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter, Tuscaloosa)
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Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. — $185,359 (Lee)
Officials said the funding will allow local agencies to tailor services based on community needs while continuing efforts to help residents gain financial independence.
