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On May 30th, the White House released President Trump’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year. If approved, it will have serious consequences for thousands of Cape Ann and Essex County residents who rely on critical programs run by Action Inc.
The plan eliminates the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps over 3,000 local residents stay warm each winter. It also cuts the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which last year helped 420 people avoid eviction and connected 1,100+ residents to vital services.
Finally, deep reductions to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs would end permanent supportive housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness. In the past year alone, 140 people received stable housing through Action Inc.’s HUD-funded programs.
What is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also known as HEAP or Fuel Assistance, is a federal program that provides funding to local agencies—like Action Inc.—to help eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills.
No matter what type of heating source you have (gas, oil, electric, propane, wood, kerosene, etc.), we may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills.
If LIHEAP is eliminated, the impact will be severe—especially in colder regions like Cape Ann.
What is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)?
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal program that provides funding to local agencies—like Action Inc.—to help people in low-income communities become more self-sufficient and stable.
- Flexible funding: CSBG is used for a wide range of local needs, such as help with rent, utilities, job training, and more.
- Crisis support: It’s used to assist people facing short-term emergencies like job loss, eviction, or illness, helping them avoid long-term hardship.
- Local control: Funds go to Community Action Agencies (like Action Inc.) that tailor services to what their communities need most.
- Impact example: At Action Inc. alone, CSBG funding helped over 420 people avoid eviction and connected 1,100+ residents to essential services last year.
CSBG is a lifeline for many people during tough times—and its proposed elimination will have major local consequences.
What do the proposed cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development mean?
Cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will have serious consequences for low-income families and individuals across Cape Ann. Here’s how:
- Fewer affordable housing options: Programs like Section 8 and Public Housing could see major reductions, which will cause local residents to lose their housing.
- Reduced homelessness services: Funding for programs that prevent and reduce homelessness may be slashed—putting seniors, veterans, and families at greater risk of homelessness.
- Loss of community development support: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) helps fund self-sufficiency services from job training to affordable housing. Cuts here mean fewer resources for people in crisis.
- Local impact: Action Inc. has helped more than 140 formerly homeless people move into permanent housing through HUD funds. If these cuts are approved, we will see homelessness rise in our community.
What You Can Do
Action Inc. has spent the last 60 years helping hard-working people on the North Shore find housing, heating, and hope. Now, we need your help!
- Share our Federal Advocacy Toolkit on social media and with your networks.
- Contact Your Representatives at the local and federal levels and ask them to keep fighting for programs like CSBG and LIHEAP.
- Share your story with us. Action Inc. wants to hear from Cape Ann residents who have received help from us in the past. Tell us about your experience below.
No one in our community should have to choose between food, heat, or a safe place to call home.