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KCCA reports staffing openings and a potential $150,000 CSBG shortfall; staff will pursue legislative relief
Summary
KCCA told the board April 20 that Weatherization received Department of Energy funding and several job openings are posted, while state CSBG allocations show an approximate $150,000 reduction under a new formula; staff plan discretionary requests and legislative outreach to reduce the cut.
Kent County Community Action staff reported staffing changes, new Weatherization funding, and a possible reduction in state Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding at the board’s April 20 meeting.
Gustavo Perez, a KCCA staff member who presented the Director’s Report, said KCCA has posted openings for two Community Development roles in Weatherization (Housing Project Supervisor and Energy Auditor), a part‑time Senior Center Specialist in Senior Services, and noted a vacant Community Resource Specialist position in the Food Distribution program; in the interim, Sherrie Gillespie will oversee TEFAP and CSFP programs. Staff also said Weatherization has secured Department of Energy funding in addition to existing LIHEAP and BIL support.
Gustavo reported the state’s 2026–2027 CSBG allocation showed an approximate $150,000 reduction driven by BCAEO’s updated formula using 2020 Census data. Staff said the overall poverty rate for Kent County is below the state average but that roughly 80,000 residents remain in poverty in the service area. KCCA plans to seek discretionary restoration of $50,000–$87,000 to reduce a proposed 12% cut to about 5% and to advocate for a revised formula by 2030; in the short term, staff may use existing Flex Funds to offset impacts. Gustavo is scheduled to attend Legislative Day in Lansing on May 20 to press CSBG priorities with state lawmakers.
Other program notes reported to the board included: - Monitoring: The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) 2024–2025 review recognized KCCA’s progress and encouraged expansion, targeting roughly double the units compared with formula allocations. - Assistance timelines: Sherrie Gillespie said the service standard is a 10‑day response but that the full assistance process typically takes about 30 days from initial client contact to receipt of assistance. - Financials: Carrie Irwin reported no significant midyear fiscal issues, the CGRS grant ends June 30, and CSFP funds are currently depleted with shortfalls covered by other supporting grants. - Senior Services: staff noted a $2,000 grant for congregate meals field trips, low Home Delivered Meals participation led to new English and Spanish outreach flyers, and a $10,000 Flex Fund was established for housing and emergency needs.
The board took routine action to approve the Feb. 16, 2026 minutes earlier in the meeting and adjourned at 12:21 p.m.
What’s next: Staff will pursue discretionary funding requests and legislative advocacy to mitigate the CSBG reduction; Gustavo Perez will attend Legislative Day on May 20 to represent KCCA priorities.
