Community Services Block Grant Program

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Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009

The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded a one time allocation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds in the amount of $727,687 to Volusia County to continue to support employment-related services and create and sustain economic growth.

Services will be provided to assist eligible families at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines. Specific activities include:

Activity	ARRA Budgeted Amount
Employment and Community Improvement and Revitalization 20 unemployed self-sufficiency clients will receive employment supplies, equipment and/or uniforms, fees, to obtain a job 15 self-sufficiency clients will receive training materials, fees, tuition, books and certifications to obtain competencies for employment 5 self-sufficiency clients will receive tuition, fees, books, materials and supplies to complete ABE/GED and receive a certificate or diploma 10 self-sufficiency clients will receive childcare 15 self-sufficiency clients will receive bus passes, car repair, and or drivers licenses 20 self sufficiency clients will receive assistance for their rent or mortgage 10 self-sufficiency clients will receive assistance in obtaining employment identification or work permit documentation Self-sufficiency clients will receive training and materials that teach and demonstrate ability to maintain a budget for 90 days	$286,404
Emergency Assistance 1000 households will be assisted with utility payments 960 households will be provided rent or mortgage assistance 48 households will be provided emergency car or home repair 25 households will be provided temporary emergency shelter 200 individuals will be provided bus passes or vouchers for emergency transportation 16 households will be provided emergency shelter assistance during a disaster relief 320 households will be provided emergency water payments	$333,005
Administration	$78,278
Other Program Expense	$30,000
Total	$727,687

ARRA funds will be used to support the expansion of the short term assistance needed to resolve the crisis while enhancing the supportive services required to overcome the barriers to self-sufficiency. As a result of the economic conditions within the County, the Community Assistance Division is seeing an increase in people requesting assistance for the first time. Coordinated outreach efforts will be made to inform individuals that are unfamiliar with the services available that they may possibly qualify for some of the services. Funds will be used to provide opportunities to access the additional supportive services required to improve opportunities for employment. Common barriers will be identified and linked to community resources to address identified conditions.

The Community Assistance Division will provide the direct and supportive services needed to assist in employment retention as well as collaborate with other community agencies to provide the necessary education, training and skills to gain employment.

Five additional case workers will be hired to access and address the immediate needs of the individuals and assist in removing the barriers to gaining employment. They will utilize the resources within the division as well as linkages to additional community resources to provide the supportive services and opportunities to overcome common barriers to employment. The case workers will assess the needs of the clients and identify the support services needed with the ultimate goal of becoming employed or obtaining the skills or training to become employed. Emergency services will also be provided to assist in maintaining stability while seeking employment. In addition case workers will provide counseling and follow-up to help the clients gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become self-sufficient.

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