WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a substantial funding initiative, allocating approximately $44 million across two of its program offices. This financial commitment, spearheaded by the Office of Community Services (OCS) and the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), aims to bolster the economic stability and well-being of children and families nationwide.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra remarked on the interconnectedness of economic security and family health, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to fortifying communities through strategic investments in affordable housing and employment services. “This funding will contribute to affordable housing and employment services for families and provide critical investments in communities that need it most,” stated Secretary Becerra.
The OCS will distribute $18 million in Community Economic Development (CED) grants to 30 recipients, focusing on stimulating economic growth in underinvested areas. These grants are designed to foster business development and create sustainable, high-quality jobs for low-income individuals. Additionally, the OCS will allocate approximately $2 million in Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration (AHSSD) grants to nine recipients, aimed at enhancing services for residents of affordable housing to improve their safety, stability, and economic mobility.
In a bid to address basic necessities, the OCS has also announced the fourth cohort of the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot, awarding $8.4 million to expand diaper distribution and support services in six states and one tribe. This funding includes $7.5 million in supplemental awards to previous grant recipients, totaling $40.2 million allocated to the Diaper Distribution Pilot since September 2022, now reaching 24 states and four tribal communities.
Janelle George, Deputy Director of the OCS, highlighted the significance of these initiatives, saying, “These programs reflect our commitment to strengthening communities by addressing some of the most pressing needs faced by families today.” The focus on sustainable economic growth, affordable housing, and essential resources like diapers underscores the ACF’s dedication to building resilient and equitable communities.
The OCSS is directing $4.7 million to six state and two tribal child support agencies as part of the Next Generation Child Support Employment Services Demonstration (NextGen). This initiative is designed to enhance employment services for noncustodial parents, thereby supporting reliable child support payments and improving the financial well-being of children. Furthermore, the ACF has awarded $3.4 million for the Technical Assistance and Evaluation of NextGen Child Support Employment Services (NextGen TAE), which will provide guidance and assess the effectiveness of these projects over a five-year period.
OCSS Commissioner Tanguler Gray emphasized the importance of such services in aiding parents to fulfill their financial responsibilities, noting that “NextGen includes critical components to understanding how to best help parents who are struggling to pay child support.”
This comprehensive funding strategy marks a pivotal effort by the ACF to enhance the financial security of families, demonstrating a commitment to impactful and sustainable community development. Through these targeted programs, the ACF continues to play a crucial role in advancing the economic and social well-being of vulnerable populations across the country.
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