CSBG - Community Services Block Grant |
LIHEAP
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program |
WAP
- Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program |
CF&N
- Community Food and Nutrition Program |
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Community Services
Block Grant (CSBG):
CSBG is a block grant
used to provide a range of services or activities designed to ameliorate
the causes and effects of poverty. Such activities include: attaining
an adequate education, securing and retaining employment, nutrition, making
better use of available income, obtaining and maintaining adequate housing,
health services, achievement of self-sufficiency, community affairs, transportation,
and so forth. Through Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and Human Resource
Agencies (HRAs), the Division of Community Services distributes CSBG funds
to garner local resources and stimulate community participation into opportunities
for self-sufficiency using the case management approach.
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Low-Income
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
LIHEAP is DCS's most well-known
and highly utilized program. LIHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible
households to help pay the cost of home energy bills and other energy
related services. Benefits vary depending on the intensity level and are
based on the rating tool. Households may qualify for regular LIHEAP assistance
and/or the Energy Crisis (emergency) Intervention Program (ECIP) for natural
gas, wood, electricity, liquid petroleum propane/butane gas, and other
energy related services. The allocation of funds to subgrantees is based
on the percentage of poor households in each county compared with the
state's poverty level according to the current census data.
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Low-Income
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP):
WAP funds are used to
improve the conditions of eligible low-income clients' homes. The program
is designed to reduce home heating and cooling costs by improving energy
efficiency and ensuring health and safety. Priority is given to low-income
elderly and disabled individuals.
Community
Food and Nutrition Program (CF&N):
CF&N provides nutritional
needs to low-income people in communities. Major accomplishments of this
program include assistance for families and individuals to increase the
amount of food available by their participation in the food share program
throughout the state. The CF&N funds are used to purchase a variety of
foods to create food pantries/food banks to meet the nutritional needs
of eligible Mississippians.
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WHO IS
ELIGIBLE?
Eligibility for CSBG is
based on the client's willingness to achieve self-sufficiency and/or family
stability. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on the household's total annual
gross income, asset test, and participation in case Management. The applicant
household must be responsible for the energy cost and/or has the energy
bill in his/her name. Eligibility for WAP & FC&N is based on total annual
gross income, the number in the household, and region of the State. Eligibility
is also based on the household's total annual gross income which must
be equal to or less than 125% of the OBM poverty guidelines that are in
effect.
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HOW MUCH ASSISTANCE WILL
YOU RECEIVE?
CSBG benefits will vary
depending on the need, the degree of responsibility, the results of the
rating tool, compliance with the Case Management Plan and the household's
total annual gross income. LIHEAP & WAP benefits will vary depending on
the results of the rating tool, compliance with the Case Management Plan,
and the household's total annual gross income. Case Management may not
be required for elderly and disabled persons. CF&N benefits will vary
depending on the number in the household, the degree of responsibility,
the region of the State and the household's total annual gross income.
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WHERE DO YOU APPLY?
Applications are taken
at Community Action Agencies or Human Resource Agencies. All (82) counties
have application sites where clients can apply. If you do not know your
local agency, you may call the Community Services Line toll-free number,
1-800-421-0762/local, (601) 359-4768.
HOW DO YOU APPLY?
Contact your local Community
Action Agency or local units of government (Rankin and Simpson Counties
offer LIHEAP ONLY) to apply for LIHEAP, CSBG, WAP and CF&N. You will need
proof of the monthly income for everyone in your household, a Social Security
Number (SSN) for everyone in your household, and proof that you and /or
your spouse is responsible for your utility bills, such as electric, and
the cost of home energy bills, such as electric, gas, wood, kerosene,
and other energy related services. Also, a statement from you landlord
stating that your utility cost is not included in the rent (if renting)
and that the applicant is responsible for home energy cost, and proof
of home ownership or rental property is required.
If you are homebound and unable
to go to you local agency to apply, contact that agency by telephone or
letter. Arrangements will be made to take an application in your home
or your designee may complete an application on your behalf. A statement
from you authorizing that individual to complete an application on your
behalf must be submitted at the time of the application process.
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