The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

With the recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, community action agencies are receiving one-time grants to further our work of reducing and eliminating poverty in America. Community action agencies will use the funding to improve upon and expand current community action programs/services and to develop and operate new solutions/programs in their local communities. 

Community action in Provo undertook a special strategic planning process to assist us in determining how best to help people with the $1 million in ARRA funding. The funding will assist the community through September 30, 2010. Six focus groups were held to gather input from diverse stakeholders. In addition we completed over 350 surveys with those that we serve. These groups included: service providers, community leaders, low-income persons, Hispanic persons, Wasatch/Summit residents and the agency management team.

The Community Action Board and staff are committed to providing high-quality and meaningful services that help people help themselves and others. We have a significant responsibility that comes with any public funding; the Recovery Act funding is no exception.

The Board has chosen to use much of the funding to expand existing programs and services. Other efforts are also underway to help meet the increased need in the community.

Community Action ARRA Programs and Services

Expansion of current services:

  • Mortgage counseling and financial help to save 185 homes from foreclosure
  • Food help for 8,000+ households
  • Support services and case managment to help 650 households retain employment and/or stabilize
  • Shelter for 60 homeless families with children
  • Transportation help for 135 families
  • Trips for Kids youth mentor program for 65 youth
  • Education of community members about poverty and hunger

Planned new programs and services to begin soon:

  • Job coaching and assistance for 1,200 people
  • Education/training coaching and assistance for 450 adults and youth
  • Adult and youth education assistance for 25 persons
  • Onsite child care for those served by the agency

Community action is also partnering with several other community organizations to expand their efforts to meet the increased need:

  • 2-1-1 at United Way of Utah County to provide more than 2,500 referrals
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for 450 persons
  • Mountainland Association of Governments Micro Loan Program for 8 low-income persons
  • Centro Hispano to mentor and assist 315 families
  • Utahns Against Hunger to assist people in accessing nutrition and food programs
  • Staff support for the Mountainland Continuum of Care which works to increase the availability of affordable housing
  • Collaboration with several local entities to create jobs

The Board has also chosen to use some limited funding to improve agency technology, training, processes and systems to result in greater efficiencies and effectiveness.

We will post our results on a monthly basis beginning in August 2009. Watch for more information to come.

 

 

815 S Freedom Blvd.
Suite 100
Provo, UT 84601

Phone: 801.373.8200
Fax: 801.373.8228
Email:

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HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency

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