Congressman Hank Johnson Announces $1.2 Million in Funding to Expand Diaper Distribution Networks in Georgia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced that the Georgia Community Action Association, Inc. (GCAA) has been awarded $1.2 million as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP). This federal funding will enable GCAA to expand its efforts to provide essential diaper supplies to families with low incomes, addressing a critical need for infants and young children across Georgia. This award comes during National Diaper Need Awareness Week and will help caregivers who struggle to maintain enough diapers to keep their children safe, dry, and healthy.

"Every child deserves access to basic necessities, and no family should have to choose between diapers and other essential needs," said Congressman Hank Johnson.

The DDDRP, administered by the Office of Community Services (OCS) at HHS, is awarding $8.4 million to support seven new grant recipients to alleviate diaper need while connecting families to broader services that address the causes and conditions of poverty. In Georgia, GCAA will coordinate with local diaper banks and community action agencies (CAAs) to ensure a consistent supply of diapers and other diapering essentials for families in need. Additionally, the program will provide access to job training, housing services, and childcare assistance, helping families achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Diaper Need in Georgia:

• 26% of children have parents who lack secure employment.
• 20.2% of children live below the poverty line.
• Families face an average annual cost of $9,253 for center-based infant care.

The need for diapers is a growing concern for many families, with 45% of participants in the DDDRP reporting they often had to reduce spending on other essentials like food or utilities to afford diapers. The program's goal is to provide more than just a solution for diaper need-it aims to support families' overall well-being.

With this $1.2 million grant, GCAA plans to serve a wide sample of families across the state, in all 159 Georgia counties, utilizing partnerships with Head Start centers, faith-based organizations, and legislators to build a robust support network.

For more information about these grants, visit the Diaper Distribution Pilot homepage.

For more information about OCS's other antipoverty programs, visit the OCS website or contact [email protected].

About Congressman Hank Johnson:
Hank Johnson represents Georgia's 4th Congressional District, where he is a staunch advocate for civil rights, public safety, and economic justice. Learn more at https://hankjohnson.house.gov/

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