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Advocacy

Energía

Programas de asistencia

We need your help!

Help us protect essential programs at Step Forward

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For 60 years, Step Forward has been Cuyahoga County’s Community Action Agency, empowering families to overcome poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. The work we do is made possible through the support of three essential federal programs: the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Head Start. These programs help families thrive and provide critical resources in times of need.​

What's Happening
 

Federal funding for programs that support low-income families is at risk. While Congress passed a short-term spending bill that maintains current funding levels, the future of key programs like Head Start, LIHEAP, and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is uncertain as lawmakers begin work on the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget.
 

At the same time:

  • Staffing cuts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services threaten the timely release of remaining energy assistance funds.

  • No increase in funding for programs like Head Start means more pressure on local agencies already stretched thin.

  • CSBG faces a fight to maintain eligibility for families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
     

Without action, families in our community could lose access to essential support.

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Family Maternity

Why It Matters Here

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🔹 According to state statistics, more than 96,000 local households depend on LIHEAP to keep the heat on in winter and the air conditioning running in summer. These are families with children, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals with disabilites.


🔹More than 1,700 children under the age of five rely on Step Forward’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs for high-quality early education and comprehensive care. For many families, Head Start is the only option. Without it, children would miss out on a safe, nurturing environment—and their parents might be unable to work, train, or attend school. Head Start children also receive formula, diapers, nutritious meals, and essential health and developmental screenings, ensuring they grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive.


🔹CSBG funding empowers Step Forward to meet the urgent needs of individuals and families while helping them build a path toward long-term economic stability. Through this grant, we provide workforce training and job placement support, financial literacy coaching, and vital resources for expectant mothers—ensuring families have the tools they need to succeed.​​

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These programs are not handouts. They are lifelines that help families stabilize, grow, and succeed.

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We’re at a crossroads. Without strong federal investment, thousands of families right here in Cuyahoga County could lose the services they rely on to survive and thrive.​

Raise Your Voice

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We need our representatives in Congress to fight for full funding and timely implementation of the programs our community depends on. Here's how you can help:

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Make a Call
Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Ask to speak with your Representative or Senator and urge them to:

  • Fully fund CSBG, LIHEAP, and Head Start in FY2026

  • Support timely distribution of all remaining FY2025 energy funds

  • Protect eligibility for families who are working but still struggling

Send a Letter

We’ve made it easy. Use our pre-written template letters below to contact your elected officials. Just add your name and send.

Spread the Word

Share this page with your friends, family, and networks. The more voices we raise, the stronger our message becomes.

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