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I am writing to express deep concern regarding recent actions taken by the current administration that undermine the proven impact of the Community Action Network and the essential services that help families and individuals build stability. There are ongoing efforts within the administration to reduce staffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically within the Office of Community Services (OCS). This office plays a critical role in administering the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the Community Economic Development Program, and Rural Community Development. These proposed changes risk weakening the federal infrastructure that supports and coordinates community action efforts nationwide.
In Maine, our community action agencies deliver essential services that no other entities provide. These include housing stability, behavioral health, crisis response, child and family services, heating assistance, and workforce development. The elimination or disruption of CSBG will endanger our ability to provide these core safety-net programs, leaving tens of thousands of Mainers working to rebuild stability without support. Beyond CSBG, we are increasingly concerned about the ripple effects this instability may have on other critical funding sources that support the work of community action agencies and our partners. These include HEAP, SNAP, WIC, TANF, Head Start, CACFP, HUD Programs, SSBG, and other federally funded programs.
CSBG funding represents a federal-local partnership at its best. It leverages local innovation, accountability, and cost-effectiveness to solve community problems. The dismantling of OCS and the threat to CSBG jeopardize this model and the communities it serves.
Victoria Forkus
Managing director
Maine Community Action Partnership (MeCAP)
