An Overview of Section 104

The goal of Section 104 of the 1996 federal welfare-reform legislation is to expand the involvement
of the independent sector, including faith-based organizations, in the delivery of
government-supported social services. A large proportion of nongovernmental providers of
assistance to the needy are faith-based nonprofit organizations. Some are affiliated with churches,
synagogues, mosques, or temples. Others, though self-standing, are inspired by religious beliefs
and were established to carry out a religious mission of care for the poor and needy.

These religious charities are among the most effective providers of help and are typically willing to
serve even the most distressed families and neighborhoods. They are flexible, take a personal
approach, are deeply committed to the needy, and provide help that is guided by a moral code and
evokes personal responsibility. Such assistance is particularly important when individuals,
families, and communities are mired in long-term poverty and self-destructive patterns of
behavior.

Many faith-based providers currently participate in government-funded programs. However,they
have been subject to governmental pressures to downplay or discard their religious emphases.
Many other faith-based organizations are wary about involvement with the government because
they fear they might lose their religious character and independence. Section 104 invites the
increased involvement of religious organizations in the provision of social services while
safeguarding their religious character, which is the very source of their genius and success.