West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (“West Central”) today issued a warning that critical programs serving over 13,120 west central Missouri residents in need are at risk of closing if the government shutdown continues.
West Central relies on federal funding to provide west central
Missourians with tailored local programs for individuals and families facing
financial hardship. These services, ranging from job training to food and
energy assistance, support west central Missouri community members often on the
brink of disaster and enable them to achieve self-sufficiency. If the shutdown
continues on/past Thanksgiving, many of these programs may be forced to close
for an unforeseeable amount of time.
“Federal
funds are not just part of our budget—they’re the foundation that keeps West
Central Missouri Community Action Agency operating,” said Mary Lou Schussler,
CEO. “For over six decades, we’ve stood alongside families in need. But if the
shutdown persists, we’ll be forced to scale back essential programs that
thousands of local residents rely on.”
Specifically, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is
fundamental to West Central’s operations. CSBG is a unique federal program that
enables flexibility and local decision-making to prevent poverty and address
community needs. CSBG provides core operational support that enables West
Central Missouri Community Action Agency to provide a range of other programs,
including:
·
The Low-Income Housing Energy Program (LIHEAP), which provides
heating and cooling assistance, keeping energy costs down for the entire
community,
·
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps improve
ventilation and insulate homes, similarly bringing down energy costs, has
already been paused for lack of funding.
·
Food pantries located in Raymore and Appleton City, which provide
food boxes, groceries, and nutritional support to nearly 800 local clients.
“The Community Services Block Grant has long received bipartisan
support. It’s an effective and locally-driven program that year after year
shows the kind of results that transcend politics. Yet as the shutdown
continues, Community Action Agencies are at increasing risk of having to close
the programs that both communities and policymakers support,” notes David
Bradley, CEO of the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF). “It’s crucial
not only that Congress reach an agreement to continue funding but that federal
infrastructure remain in place so that these dollars actually reach the
agency’s doors and aren’t stuck in Washington, DC.”
West Central and NCAF urge Congress and the President to quickly
end the shutdown and continue to support the Office of Community Services staff
necessary to ensure the timely administration of the Community Services Block
Grant. Concerned citizens should also reach out immediately to their
elected officials.
