Role in Washington
The Department of Commerce administers community development, housing, energy assistance, and economic development grants in Washington State, including CSBG and LIHEAP.
Key Programs
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) — sub-awards to Community Action Agencies
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — sub-awards to CAAs and utilities
- Housing Trust Fund — capital and operating grants for affordable housing
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) — for non-entitlement communities
- Homeless housing and assistance grants
Details
Commerce is the state-designated CSBG and LIHEAP administrator, making it the primary state funder for Community Action Agencies. For healthcare organizations, Commerce funding is most relevant through housing-related programs (housing instability being a major social determinant of health) and CSBG funds that support community health initiatives. Commerce also administers energy assistance programs that serve many of the same populations as healthcare providers.