Federal Grant Award Summary

The Office of Community Services awarded $800,000 in Community Economic Development (CED) funding under the Community Services Block Grant Discretionary Awards program (CFDA 93.570) to the Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) on September 30, 2025, for a three-year project period ending September 29, 2028. CRCD will expand its social enterprise subsidiary, CRCD Enterprises, to create full-time employment in the lead abatement and construction industries serving four high-poverty zip codes in South Los Angeles, where poverty rates range from 26.3% to 38.7%. The project will generate 29 total jobs, with 22 positions filled by low-income residents meeting the CED requirement that 75% of jobs serve individuals below 200% of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines.

Grant funds will be deployed as a loan to CRCD Enterprises to purchase equipment for lead abatement projects and support a comprehensive hiring program that combines job placement with supportive services. Participating employees will receive livable wages, health and dental insurance, flexible scheduling, and career advancement training opportunities. Additionally, CRCD will provide barrier-reduction services including financial literacy instruction, housing and educational supports, and treatment for psychological and substance abuse challenges. This integrated approach addresses both workforce development and community health needs, with lead abatement work directly improving environmental conditions for hundreds of area residents and contributing to broader community revitalization objectives.