A $44 million federal grant aims to strengthen families’ economic stability by creating jobs, enhancing affordable housing, and supporting essential caregiving resources in underinvested communities.
The Administration for Children and Families at the US Department of Health and Human Services has announced an investment of $44 million in new grant awards. The grants intend to create jobs, enhance access to affordable housing, and support essential resources for local communities and families in need.
With $20 million in new grants, the Administration for Children and Families Office of Community Services targets underinvested areas. The funding is split between two programs:
- Community Economic Development (CED) Grants: Thirty recipients will receive $18 million to promote economic growth in low-income communities through business development and the creating of high-quality, permanent jobs.
- Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration (AHSSD): Nine recipients will receive approximately $2 million to support services within affordable housing, safety, stability, and economic mobility for residents.
To further support family stability, the Department is expanding the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot, allocating $15.9 million to address the need for essential caregiving supplies. The Office of Child Support Services is addressing barriers to financial security for children with its new NextGen Child Support Employment Services Demonstration. With $4.7 million in funding, agencies will implement employment services that encourage reliable child support payments. An additional $3.4 million will support technical assistance and evaluation, helping agencies understand and scale successful approaches.
From the press release:
“By investing in sustainable economic growth, ensuring access to affordable housing and support services, and providing basic necessities like diapers, we are working together to build more resilient, equitable, and supportive communities across the nation,” said Janelle George, Office of Community Services Deputy Director.
These grants address immediate needs and help ensure long-term economic stability and well-being for families.
