Community Services and Development (CSD) administers funding for several federal programs as well as a state-funded Naturalization Services Program, working closely with federal departments, other state agencies, local governments, faith-based organizations, non-profits, corporate and business organizations, and more than 100 community organizations with whom CSD contracts to provide direct services in the community with the funds administered by CSD.

 

 

DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The federal programs include the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program.

 

More than 100 community service agencies have contracts with CSD to provide programs and services in the local community to those eligible under the conditions of the federal programs. With the exception of the Naturalization Program, services are available based upon meeting the program specific income requirements. Use the Programs tab to find Service Providers by program and for income qualifications.

 

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT

CSD is committed to reducing the conditions and causes of poverty with its network of community providers. Officially designated community service providers include 53 Community Action Agencies (CAAs), five Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Agencies (MSFWs), three Native American Indian Organizations (NAIs) and four Limited-Purpose Agencies (LPAs).

• Community Action Agencies (CAAs): Federal statue in 1981 designated either a local government or a nonprofit organization as the Community Action Agency in each county. CAAs retain their designation and continuously receive CSBG funding unless revoked through a formal process.

• Migrant Seasonal Farmworker Agencies (MSFWs): Focus specific attention on the needs of the migrant seasonal farmworker populations throughout California. “Seasonal Farmworker” refers to a person who, during any consecutive 12-month period within the 24-month period preceding application for program benefits, was employed at least 25 calendar days or earned at least $400 in farmwork; and who has been primarily employed in farmwork on a seasonal basis, without a constant year round salary. “Migrant Farmworker” refers to a seasonal farmworker who performs farmwork, during any consecutive 12-month period with the 24-month period preceding application for program benefits, which requires travel such that the worker is unable to return to his/her domicile within the same day.

• Native American Indian Organizations (NAIs): Focus specific attention on meeting the needs of Native American Indians populations throughout California.

• Limited Purpose Agencies (LPAs): Each LPA serves a unique purpose in reducing the conditions and cause of poverty in California.

CSD acts as the state-level partner to this community network. All of these agencies, in turn, have many local partners in their respective communities. This extended network of community service providers share information, refer individuals to ensure needs are met, and work together to mitigate the effects of poverty in their community.  

 

CSD's community partners leverage Federal CSBG dollars into far more than the face value of their original grants, by partnering with community businesses, non-profits, and local government. In 2006, these community partners leveraged over $1 billion!

With the support of CSD, local CSBG service providers promote self-sufficiency through programs that assist low-income people in gaining education and job skills, to find employment, improve income management, secure adequate housing and temporary emergency assistance, improving nutrition, and much more.

 

 

LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

Energy Service Providers are local community agencies which provide assistance to eligible low-income households through the Home Energy Assistance Program, the Energy Crisis Intervention Program, and the Weatherization Program. The community service providers work closely with the utility companies and other community groups to provide services to eligible low-income households.
 

 

UTILITY COMPANIES

CSD also has a close working relationship with many utility companies throughout the State.  Most of these utility companies are under contract with CSD to provide direct payment to an approved customer's utility account.