MICRO-BUSINESS START-UP POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROJECT
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
Recent estimates put the Cambodian population in Long Beach at nearly 50,000 - roughly 12% of the population. Cambodian immigrants and refugees are among the most traumatized populations in the US. Cambodian refugees who are now older adults, experienced the "Killing Fields" firsthand from 1975-1979 and were, virtually without exception, traumatized. Cambodian-American mental health challenges are multigenerational, extending past the elders who were refugees to the youth who are American-born citizens. Currently, Cambodians have access only to limited resources for linguistically and culturally competent health, mental health and nutritional food services - an issue that has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic which is taking a disproportionate toll on communities of color.
The Cambodian population in Long Beach is extremely underserved and vulnerable, facing disproportionate rates of health, mental illness, economic and poverty disparities and a lack of adequate resources in dealing with such issues. Since the SNAP COVID-19 Emergency Allotments waiver extension ended in February 2023, many people returned to work and the income and waiver requirement changed. Now many people have lost their eligibility for DPSS CalFresh program. With food prices and inflation rate continuing to increase sky high, many residents are seeking any way possible to fill their need for food security and alleviate their poverty conditions.
Recent estimates put the Cambodian population in Long Beach at nearly 50,000 - roughly 12% of the population. Cambodian immigrants and refugees are among the most traumatized populations in the US. Cambodian refugees who are now older adults, experienced the "Killing Fields" firsthand from 1975-1979 and were, virtually without exception, traumatized. Cambodian-American mental health challenges are multigenerational, extending past the elders who were refugees to the youth who are American-born citizens. Currently, Cambodians have access only to limited resources for linguistically and culturally competent health, mental health and nutritional food services - an issue that has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic which is taking a disproportionate toll on communities of color.
The Cambodian population in Long Beach is extremely underserved and vulnerable, facing disproportionate rates of health, mental illness, economic and poverty disparities and a lack of adequate resources in dealing with such issues. Since the SNAP COVID-19 Emergency Allotments waiver extension ended in February 2023, many people returned to work and the income and waiver requirement changed. Now many people have lost their eligibility for DPSS CalFresh program. With food prices and inflation rate continuing to increase sky high, many residents are seeking any way possible to fill their need for food security and alleviate their poverty conditions.
CAA's goal with the Micro-Business Start-up Poverty Alleviation (MBSPAI) Project is to advance the DCFS's objectives in the area of Poverty Alleviation and the resident-led decision. The funding requested will help CAA address the poverty alleviation in the Cambodian community in Long Beach by conducting Community Outreach & Engagement, Micro-Business Start-Up Educational Workshops, Micro-Business Start-up Grant Funding Distribution & Micro-Business Start-up Technical Assistant services.
MICRO-BUSINESS START-UP GRANT PROGRAM
The Cambodian Association of America Micro-Business Start-Up Poverty Alleviation Project is doing a 10-session workshop series to teach potential entrepreneurs how to bring their business idea to life.
Services offered in languages; English, Spanish, and Khmer.
The Cambodian Association of America Micro-Business Start-Up Poverty Alleviation Project is doing a 10-session workshop series to teach potential entrepreneurs how to bring their business idea to life.
- To award 23 community members with a grant of $3,500 in start-up funds
- 10-session Business Workshop series (Attendance required for grant applications.)
- For more information visit: www.mbspai.carrd.co
Services offered in languages; English, Spanish, and Khmer.
PROGRAM STAFF OFFERINGS
Services offered in languages; English, Spanish, and Khmer.
- Micro-Business Start-up 1-on-1 Technical Assistance
- Host Micro-Business Start-up Educational Workshops
- Provide a Micro-Business Start-up Grant Program
- Outreach & Engage with community members
Services offered in languages; English, Spanish, and Khmer.
Funding for this program is provided by the LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, please contact leave your information or contact one of our representatives.
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PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVES
Frederick Sor, Community Outreach Worker |