Are non-profits set to spend stimulus weatherization $$?

categories: Federal, Government, Jobs & Unemployment, News, Nonprofits, Social Programs, States, stimulus, The Economy

Published May 11, 2009 @ 06:00AM PT

Springfield Partners weatherization

The state-run Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income families was singled out for big stimulus spending partly because it had worked the same way for nearly 35 years and didn’t need adjustments. But governors in some states are proposing brand new approaches that critics say could derail the tried-and-true home insulation program. [snip]

Targeted for hefty stimulus funding, weatherization has been attacked by members of Congress and taxpayer groups who say the local agencies that run the program won’t be able to spend the windfall fast enough to generate much needed jobs.

This is a fascinating article, because it gets at something I've mentioned here before: so much of our government and social sector infrastructure has been devastated in the last 8 if not 25 years. Now that we've got $$ to spend, we're worried the small but steady non-profits we've counted on to deliver these programs for years aren't up to it.

That's a legitimate point, in my opinion.

But diverting the funds to other agencies or entities? Are they prepared? Why not use this as an opportunity to invest in, support and expand these tried and true agencies? Not only would it be a bonus to see more programs reach more constituents, it'd also be a moment to shake some of these agencies out of their inertia, out of their rote service delivery that some have gotten used to in the last two to three decades. We can't strengthen our non-profit and social service sector if we just send the funds elsewhere.

Plans will be submitted next week and approved or denied within 60 days. For policy wonks, climate change activists and low-income advocates alike, this is one to watch.

(Photo from the Weatherization Assistance Program from the Springfield Partners for Community Action website in Springfield, MA)

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Author

Leigh is a PhD candidate in urban planning at MIT, and a consultant on U.S. Gulf Coast recovery. She sits on the Board of the Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation in Boston, and has worked with non-profits, foundations and local governments on policies and programs aimed at reducing urban poverty and inequality.