A federal grant cut will impact social service providers community wide.

DeKalb’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which is $15,000 smaller this year, is divided between numerous social service agencies in the city. Each one received 4 percent less this year except the few currently receiving the minimum $2,000 amount.

Sue Guio, DeKalb’s community services coordinator, said the amount DeKalb receives has steadily declined over the years.

“The amount we get varies depending on how much funding is available and how many communities are getting grants,” Guio said.

Money allotted in Washington for the grant has remained stagnant while more programs have been added and funded out of CDBG money. Guio said an increase in funding depends on two things: the presidential election and the war. She said both major Democratic candidates have signaled they will increase funding for programs such as the CDBG.

“This year is going to be a struggle,” Guio said. “We have a total of ten agencies to fund.”

One program supported in part by the CDBG is DeKalb’s domestic violence shelter, Safe Passage.

“It’s just one more cut,” said Pam Wiseman, the group’s executive director. Safe Passage expects to lose over $100,000 this year, including the CDBG money.

Though CDBG money is only a small portion of the budget, Wiseman said the agency is already working with tight staffing and continued cuts will mean losing counseling and advocacy positions and cutting community outreach.

Other organizations that receive grant money through the CDBG include Hope Haven and Volunteer Action Committee.

The city council approved the grant amounts during its March 10 meeting.