Coffee and Dale County receive community services grants

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Dec. 31 that she was awarding $3.2 million to help low-income families across the state, including Coffee and Dale Counties.

These Community Services Block Grants will be distributed to 20 community action agencies in multiple counties.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, many Alabamians have found themselves with even more challenging economic situations,” Ivey said. “It is my desire that funds from these Community Services Block Grants will provide programs and services to help people rise from those depths and lead fulfilling and rewarding lives that will benefit them and their families.”

The community block grants will be used for a range of programs that include programs that teach the skills and knowledge to obtain good jobs, help participants maintain the ability to stay in their homes and provide emergency assistance to prevent further declines in their lives.”

Organized Community Action Program (OCAP), Inc. will receive $149,036 in grant money. The organization serves Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes and Pike Counties.

OCAP provides a number of services including low income home energy assistance, emergency food and shelter, weatherization, housing preservation grants, a Fatherhood/Motherhood Initiative Program, housing counseling and Multi-Family Elderly Affordable Housing.

Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership (SECAP), Inc. will receive $153,062 in grant money. SECAP serves Coffee, Barbour, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties.

SECAP also provides programs that help provide school supplies for children, programs that help with energy costs for households, programs that provide groceries for elderly residents, childcare food programs, shelter programs, emergency services, a food pantry, foster grandparent programs and housing counseling among other services.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Gov. Ivey is adamant that Alabamians be able to reach their goals and dreams and lead successful lives,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to stand with Gov. Ivey in being a part of that process through these Community Services Block Grants.”