Hawaii has been awarded $5 million by the Department of Health and Human Services for the Community Services Block Grant program, U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye said today.

The funds are part of the federal economic stimulus package.

The state is expected to distribute the new funding to community groups that help Hawaii residents through tough economic times.

According to HHS, organizations receiving CSBG funding under the Recovery Act must use the resources to help get our economy back on track. Funds must be used to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and assist low-income families become self-sufficient. Eligible entities use funds to provide services and activities addressing employment, education, housing, nutrition, and emergency services to combat the central causes of poverty. States will be responsible for distributing the funds to community organizations.

Services currently provided by community organizations that receive CSBG funds include:

— Job training and placement assistance.

— Financial literacy programs, such as credit counseling.

— Housing assistance programs that help keep Americans in their homes.

— Nutrition programs that provide meals for vulnerable families.

— Community agencies that bring public and private resources together to assist families in need.