CSBG Initiatives

The Community Block Grant (CSBG) is one the key funding sources for Community Action Agencies. These funds may be used for administrative support, other initiatives, or any combination thereof. CSBG Initiatives may provide supplemental and/or supportive services to other programs, or they may serve as stand-alone programs (not requiring enrollment in another agency program). Such initiatives include:

Employment Assistance - This initiative helps individuals to defray costs related to obtaining new employment, and in some instances, to maintain employment. Eligible customers may receive financial assistance for uniforms and/or work tools required but not provided by the employer, obtaining identification documentation, testing fees for general education diplomas (G.E.D) and professional licenses or certifications, tuition for vocational or career training courses. Other related employment needs may be addressed as the need rises. Employment Assistance is a stand-alone program.

Education Assistance - This stand-alone initiative provides limited financial assistance for individuals enrolled in college or other vocational/technical institution. It also supplements the P.O.W.E.R Youth and Project Discovery programs.

Child Care Assistance - This short-term, stand-alone initiative assists individuals with child care costs so they can start work or attend employment-related training. Individuals who are behind in their child care payments may also be assisted if delinquency is due to temporary, no-fault, unavoidable crisis.

Housing Assistance - This is a stand-alone program, but may also be used as a supportive service. Similar to HIP, short-term financial assistance may be provided to individuals/families with no fault, temporary, unavoidable crisis in order to prevent foreclosure or eviction or for moving assistance (deposits) for homeless individuals/families. Applicants who may not qualify for HIP may be eligible for assistance through this CSBG initiative.

Emergency Services - With a few exceptions, the Emergency Services initiative is a supportive service for participants in other agency programs. Financial assistance may be provided to prevent the disconnection of water or electric. Assistance may also be provided to have disconnected service restored. In all cases, the delinquency or disconnect must have been precipitated through a no fault, temporary, unavoidable crisis.