CSBG-DCL-2022-09 LIHEAP ERA Coordination Updates FY2022

The purpose of this communication is to provide additional information with Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) recipients regarding coordination efforts between the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program this winter. The Office of Community Services (OCS) encourages CSBG recipients to participate to support partnership, collaboration, and system integration at the state and local levels.

Background

On November 10, 2021, OCS, the Treasury Department, and the White House hosted a listening session with several LIHEAP, Low Income Household Water Assistant Program (LIHWAP), CSBG, and ERA administrators on coordination efforts. On November 18, 2021, the OCS released CSBG-Dear Colleague Letter (DCL)-2022-08 to provide information about the LIHEAP and ERA coordination, and to encourage increased coordination across all OCS programs.

The release of CSBG-DCL-2022-08 coincided with a White House virtual convening on how federal utility assistance funding can be leveraged to mitigate the impact of rising home heating costs this winter for households with low-incomes. The White House published a readout and a recording of the meeting. Additionally, the White House released a fact sheet with calls to action for states, localities, Tribes, and utilities and energy providers.

Training and Technical Assistance

Utility Assistance Coordination Webinars

As a follow up to the convening and the release of the LIHEAP guidance, OCS will host joint webinars with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to discuss various ways LIHEAP and ERA grant recipients can coordinate and collaborate to meet the comprehensive home energy needs of individuals and families this winter. OCS strongly encourages CSBG recipients to participate in these webinars:

States and Territories: Monday, December 13, 2021, 1:30 — 3:00pm ET | Please pre-register to attend

Tribes and Tribal Organizations: Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 1:00 — 2:00pm | Please pre-register to attend

Upcoming Office Hours

In addition, OCS will host a series of office hours to support LIHEAP and ERA grant recipients as they begin to adopt the coordination guidance and continue to implement best practices. Each office hour session will be limited to 15 individuals on a first come, first served basis to maximize assistance. When possible, OCS encourages CSBG recipients to coordinate with the respective LIHEAP, LIHWAP, and/or ERA directors in their state to attend the same office hour.

Individuals should pre-register and include any potential questions with their registration. This will allow OCS and the U.S. Treasury to thoroughly prepare for sessions and/or provide written guidance to maximize the time during each office hour. While Tribes and Tribal Organizations are invited to sign up for any of the sessions, the final session is specifically reserved for only Tribes and Tribal Organizations.

1. Monday, January 10 from 2:00 — 3:00pm ET
2. Tuesday, January 11 from 2:00 — 3:00pm ET
3. Monday, January 24 from 1:00 — 2:00pm ET
4. Tuesday, January 25 from 2:00 — 3:00pm ET (Reserved for Tribes and Tribal Organizations only)

Please fill out this registration form for one of the above sessions. Registration closes 48 hours before each session. If you have any questions, please contact your federal CSBG Program Specialist.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS grantees.