Question: How does the State of California, Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) receive CSBG funds?

Answer: CSD is designated as the State department responsible for administering the CSBG in California.  The CSBG is a federal fund administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services (OCS).  The federal funds are appropriated annually by the U.S. Congress.

 

CSD is required to prepare and submit to OCS an application and State plan. The State plan is the official application for the State of California CSD) to receive CSBG  funding from OCS. 

 

Question: When is the State plan due to OCS?

Answer: The final State plan is required to be submitted to OCS no later than 30 days prior (September 1) to the beginning of the first federal fiscal year covered by the plan.  CSD submits a biennial State plan to OCS.  The next plan is due to OCS September 1, 2009.

 

Question: Is there a public review of the State plan before it is submitted to OCS?

Answer: Yes, the draft State plan is distributed to the CSBG eligible entities for comment and CSD makes the State plan available for public review and comment by placing public notice advertisements in the Sacramento Bee, Eastern Group Publications, Inc. and Record Searchlight newspapers.  The draft State plan is also posted to the CSD web site for the benefit of all interested parties. Copies are provided to anyone upon request.

 

Additionally, a legislative hearing is required to be held in conjunction with the development of the State plan.  The CA legislature conducts a public hearing on the proposed use and distribution of CSBG funds and accepts testimony from interested parties.  Each of these activities occur before the plan is finalized and submitted to OCS.

 

Question: What information is contained in the State Plan?

Answer: The State plan contains federal assurances that CSD is required to adhere to, documentation from the legislative hearings, and responses from the public inspection and comments of the draft plan.  It must also certify that the state agrees to specified conditions.  Click on State Plan for a copy of the latest.

 

Question: Upon receipt of the appropriation, which organizations in California are allocated the CSBG funds? 

Answer: The organizations entities eligible to receive CSBG funds are strictly limited by federal and state law. Organizations which were officially designated as Community Action Agencies and  Community Action Programs under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [the precursor of CSBG] were specifically designated by the 1981 CSBG Act as eligible entities. These designations were continued under current federal law.  CSBG funds are appropriated annually to CSBG eligible entities (service providers) that provide direct services in all fifty-eight counties.   

 

Question: What direct services are required to be provided?

Answer: The service providers prioritize services according to local needs. Services include housing, energy assistance, nutrition, employment and training as well as transportation, family development, health care, emergency food and shelter and asset development. Service providers are charged with bringing all sectors together to strengthen community well being. In 2007, service providers partnered with 7,069 other organizations to expand resources and opportunities.

 

Question: How do the service providers identify needed services and local needs?

Answer: The service providers conduct public hearings and host community meetings in conjunction with the development of a Community Action Plan (CAP).  As a condition to receipt of funding, the service providers are required to submit a CAP to CSD biennially.  The CAP includes a community-needs assessment for the community served.  In developing the CAP the service providers are required to hold a public hearing to accept comments from the public. 

 

The CAP is submitted biennially by June 30 on the odd numbered  year for the upcoming two fiscal years.  A CAP is due to CSD on June 30, 2009 and describes the programs and services that will be delivered beginning January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011.

 

Question: How can I be notified of the scheduled public hearings and community meetings/forums?  Can anyone attend and provide comment? 

Answer: The entities are required to hold a minimum of one public hearing.  However, many of the agencies also hold community forums to receive input.  Contact the agency located in your county to request information on the hearing dates.  Click on Service Provider Directories & Income Guidelines for our listing.

 

Anyone can attend and are welcome.  The service providers want to receive information from the public regarding services needed.  Moreover, the service providers are required to specifically address testimony and concerns presented by the low income.  Participate and let your voice be heard.  

 

Question: How do I apply for program services?

Answer: Access the providers lists (for Community Action Agencies or Additional Community Partners) and locate the service providers) in your county.  Contact the agency to identify the specific eligibility requirements and services provided.

 

Question: How will I know if I am eligible to receive services?

Answer:  To qualify for CSBG services you must be at or below 100% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines. 

 

Question: My family income is higher than the federal income poverty guidelines but I am considered low-income.  Should I contact the service provider to discuss my income and situation?

Answer: Yes, CSBG is just one of the many funding sources that the service providers receive.  The providers administer a variety of programs that have different income guidelines and criteria.  Contact the agency and staff will assist in conducting an assessment to discuss their many programs and assistance offered that you may be eligible to receive.

 

Question: Can the service provider assist me in finding a job?

Answer: There are many providers that work with individuals that are unemployed and assist them with finding a job. In 2007 the service providers assisted over 9,000 individuals with obtaining a job.   However, not all providers offer this direct service.  Contact the Service Provider in your area to discuss further.  Additionally, the provider may be able to refer you to another agency that provides this service

 

Question: What other assistance can I receive?

Answer: There are a variety of program assistance that can be provided.  The services range from assistance with employment, childcare, housing, asset development, earned income tax credit, food and nutrition and transportation and obtaining a driver’s license, to name a few.  You are encouraged to contact your local service provider to identify the specific programs.

 

Question: Is there a fee for the CSBG services?

Answer: All services are provided at no cost to the individuals and families seeking services?