Communities

Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)

In FY 2000, $1.8 billion in federal funds is provided to the states for social services under the annual Social Services Block Grant. States have responsibility for determining the services they will provide, the distribution method, and eligibility requirements. Each state's allocation from the total appropriation is based on its population.

States use the funds for social services to achieve economic self-sufficiency; to prevent or remedy neglect, abuse, or exploitation of children or adults; to avoid or reduce inappropriate institutionalization; and to provide appropriate referral for institutional care.

States have great variation in their definition, design, programs, and range of services. The most frequently provided services are: child day care; home-based services which help individuals or families with household and personal care; protective services which prevent or remedy abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or adults; special services for the physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled; and social support.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

With LIHEAP funds, the federal government provides grants to states, territories, Native American tribes, and tribal organizations that wish to
assist low-income households in meeting the costs of home heating and cooling needs. Payments may be made directly to eligible households or to home energy suppliers who comply with legislative provisions. LIHEAP funds can also be used by grantees to help low-income households deal with energy-related crises or pay for repairs to make their homes more energy efficient.

In FY 2000, $1.4 billion in grants is awarded to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six territories, and 124 Indian tribes and tribal organizations. The amount of each grant to a state is determined by a formula established by Congress.

Community Services Programs

Through Community Services programs, the federal government provides annual funding to states, territories, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, universities, and other nonprofit groups to assist low-income people in local communities. Community Services funds, including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), are primarily used to meet employment, education, housing, income management, energy, health, and emergency needs of the poor.

In FY 2000, $527.7 million is available to 57 states, Indian tribes, territories and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for CSBG. Most funds are allocated to approximately 950 community action agencies.

Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities programs serve nearly four million Americans. Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairment, or a combination of both, which are manifested before age 22; are likely to continue indefinitely; and result in substantial limitations in major life activity.

Developmental disabilities grants support programs that protect the rights and promote the self-sufficiency of Americans with
developmental disabilities and their families. Funds help state governments, local communities, and the private sector to integrate these people socially and economically into mainstream society.

In FY 2000, grants amounting to $122.3 million are supporting: the development of coordinated systems of services through statewide plans; the establishment of protection and advocacy systems to assist individuals in exercising their human and legal rights; interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, and information/dissemination activities provided by agencies affiliated with a university; and projects which focus on the most pressing national issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Native Americans

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) promotes the goal of social and economic self-sufficiency and the enhancement of the institutions of self-governance for Indian tribes and organizations and other Native American communities. Under the Native American Programs Act of 1974, ANA is the only organization with a mandate to serve all tribes and Native American organizations representing over 2.2 million individuals. Tribes and organizations of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American Pacific Islanders, including American Samoans, annually receive competitive grants to encourage self-sufficiency. In FY 2000, $35.4 million will support community-based development programs which strengthen tribal and community economic and social bases.

Program goals include: enhancing local decisionmaking among community and tribal governments; developing economic activities that provide jobs leading to increased self-sufficiency; and promoting local> access to and control and coordination of services that safeguard the health and well-being of Native Americans and that lead to self-supporting communities.