Lincoln County commissioners back Community Action Partnership CSBG support letter after agency warns HUD changes could cut permanent housing aid

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a letter of support for the Community Action Partnership’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) work plan after hearing that about 9% of Lincoln County residents receive services through the agency and that changes under consideration at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could reduce funding for permanent housing, potentially affecting an estimated 60–70 current clients.

At the meeting, a Community Action Partnership representative summarized the agency’s role and local impact, saying CSBG "is the glue for our organization" and that the agency printed county-specific statistics so commissioners could see the local effects. The representative told the board "we don't do handouts. We do tools for self-sufficiency," describing the agency’s employment and training programs and a goal that 51% of participants report improved financial status after participating.

Why it matters: CAP staff said the CSBG supports programs that help residents afford heat (LIHEAP), keep utilities on through emergency assistance (Energy Share), access housing supports, and receive employment training and budgeting help. Presenters warned that HUD is "revamping" how it distributes some housing funds and has proposed limiting permanent housing to about 30% of certain allocations; because CAP’s contracts are for permanent housing, speakers estimated that change could affect roughly 60–70 people the agency now assists with rental support.

Agency perspective and local data: Presenters described service trends during a recent federal shutdown that temporarily halted LEAP payments and increased demand for donated Energy Share funds: "we had 46 at one meeting," the CAP representative said, contrasting that to the normal monthly caseload. They also flagged that LIHEAP remains the agency’s largest program and that their client demographic has included a large share of women over 65, with more homeowners now seeking utility and bill-assistance services.

Other services and partnerships: CAP speakers highlighted the employment and training program as the organization’s largest local program and said they aim to teach household budgeting and other life skills—plans that could be housed in CAP’s new facility. The county health department is adding a behavioral health staff position tied to crisis diversion, which presenters said should be available for referrals for about the next 18 months.

Board action: A commissioner moved "that we approve our letter of support," and another board member seconded the motion. During a voice vote one commissioner said, "I opposed," but the chair indicated the board would sign the letter, and meeting participants confirmed the letter would be provided to CAP staff for signature. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or which commissioner opposed the motion.

Details to watch: CAP representatives urged the board to stay informed as HUD finalizes any policy changes to permanent-housing funding, noting the agency’s concern for the people who could lose rent support. They also asked the county to remain in contact about the behavioral health position and corrections to public listings for a new drop-in center (a speaker noted the center’s listing had the wrong address and phone number).

The board adjourned after the vote; commissioners and CAP staff said they would follow up on HUD developments and administrative corrections to the drop-in center listing.