What is Community Action?

President Johnson’s Community Action Program was a federal initiative created in 1964 to address poverty and inequality in the United States. As part of this program, the federal government established the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) in 1981, which is a flexible funding source that provides support to states and communities to help address poverty.

The CSBG provides block grants to states, which are then distributed to local agencies and organizations that provide a range of services to low-income individuals and families. These services may include job training and placement, education and training, housing assistance, and other support services.

The goal of the CSBG is to provide resources and support to help people achieve self-sufficiency and improve their economic circumstances. By providing flexible funding to states and local agencies, the CSBG allows communities to tailor their programs and services to meet the specific needs of their residents.

Overall, the CSBG is an important component of President Johnson’s Community Action Program, and has helped to support millions of individuals and families across the United States in their efforts to overcome poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.