CSBG PROGRAMS & SERVICES

OVERVIEW

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. With the support of CSBG funding, JeffCAP works to achieve the following goals for low-income individuals and families:

• Increased self-sufficiency
   
• Improved living conditions
   
• Ownership of and pride in their communities
   
• Strong family and support systems
   

JeffCAP CSBG Services provides programs and services addressing employment, education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services, and health. The CSBG services are offered through the eight (8) JeffCAP Community Centers, Six (6) on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, and two (2) on the East Bank of the Parish.

AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE & SERVICES

JeffCAP CSBG Services most often may include employment training and placement, income management, education, emergency services, health, nutrition, transportation, housing assistance, and providing linkages among anti-poverty programs. If you are interested in any of the services listed below, please contact your local community center. All assistance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Emergency Rental and Mortgage Program

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Emergency Rental & Mortgage Program provides crisis assistance for eligible, low-income individuals and families in urgent need of rental or mortgage assistance. Case management is offered to bundle other needed services to increase employment opportunities and self-sufficiency.

This financial assistance is limited and may be available to all clients on a first-come, first-served basis. A client can only receive a one-time hardship payment, paid directly to the landlord or loan servicer. Assistance is dependent on available funding at the time of the individual's application.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish Residency, applicants must be delinquent on rent or mortgage payment and must not have been assisted within two (2) years.

Clients or participants of subsidized housing, such as public housing and Section 8, are NOT eligible for assistance through this program.

Households MUST meet ALL eligibility and required documentation requirements to qualify for assistance.

Case Management Services

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Services provides in house Case Management Bundled Services. These services include determining CSBG Income Eligibility, assessing the needs of the entire family, planning obtainable goals and referrals, and monitoring and evaluating progress reports, verifying employment, and increasing employment opportunities and self-sufficiency.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish residency, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days.

Employment Support Services

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Services provides support to low-income individuals to obtain and maintain employment. With Employment Support Services, JeffCAP will assist job seekers with bus tokens, basic resume updating, computer literacy classes, state ID's, job searches, and referrals to obtain employment. Also, we assist employed individuals with drug screenings, direct deposit, bus passes, State Identification Cards, uniforms, certification exams, tools, and equipment needed to maintain employment or to complete short-term employment training programs.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish residency, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days.

Direct purchases are made through Jefferson Parish Purchasing Department; if items cannot be purchased directly, individuals are reimbursed with original receipts.

Education Support Services

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Services provides support to low-income individuals seeking to obtain educational certifications. With Education Support Services, JeffCAP will assist students enrolled in short-term training programs with bus tokens/passes, certification exams, registration/enrollment fees for GED Certification. For individuals enrolled in secondary education, we can assist with certification exams, uniforms, bus tokens/passes, books, and supplies needed to obtain certification or graduate. Graduation or program completion date must be within six (6) months or less.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish residency, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days.

Direct purchases are made through Jefferson Parish Purchasing Department; if items cannot be purchased directly, individuals are reimbursed with original receipts.

Summer Youth Employment Program 

Description:

JeffCAP Summer Youth Employment Program is designed to assist low-income youth in entering the workforce and becoming productive Jefferson Parish citizens. As the poverty-fighting agency of Jefferson Parish, we determined that paying a livable wage would increase the household income and move low-income families towards self-sufficiency.

The Summer Employment and Support Initiative is a 6-week job training program that will employ low-income youth (17-24 years) to work within various Jefferson Parish Government departments. The participant will perform work assignments according to available entry-level positions as Laborer, Groundskeeper, Animal Care Attendant, and Clerk I and many others. They will hold full-time positions, work a 35-40 hour week, and be paid a livable wage.

Eligibility:

Applicants may apply at all Community Center locations during advertised intake dates unless noted.

In addition to the household meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish residency, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days.

Lottery System: Due to limited funding Jeff CAP will use a Lottery System to determine enrollment for program participation. The eligibility process includes a review of the application for completeness, documentation verification, and income eligibility. Only complete applications will qualify for placement in the Lottery System drawing.

Income Management Services

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Services provides budgeting literature to clients to assist individuals in financial literacy. This service tool teaches individuals to be more accountable and aware of money coming into the home (income), how money is spent (expenses) and where improvements could be made.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish residency, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days.

Senior Energy Efficient Bulbs

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Services provides qualified seniors (60+) with one energy-efficient light bulb to assist with lowering energy burdens and reducing cost. This service is often bundled with other Income Saving Programs as Prescription Drug Discount, COX Senior Discount, LIHEAP, Weatherization referrals, and Medicare Savings Program to reduce senior expenses.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines, Jefferson Parish residency, and age requirements, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days.

Water Assistance Program (Limited COVID-19 Disaster Program)

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Water Program provides financial assistance for eligible, low-income individuals and families in need of assistance for their water bill.

This financial assistance is limited and may be available to all clients on a first-come, first-served basis. A client can only receive a one-time hardship payment, paid directly to the Jefferson Parish Water Department. Assistance is dependent on available funding at the time of the individual's application.

Eligibility:

In addition to meeting CSBG Income Guidelines and Jefferson Parish residency, applicants must agree to follow-up services for 90 days. Households MUST meet ALL eligibility and required documentation requirements to qualify for assistance. Water bills must be in applicant’s name.

Senior Food Voucher Program (Limited COVID-19 Disaster Program)

Description:

JeffCAP CSBG Senior Food Voucher Program provides one food voucher for eligible, low-income seniors (60+) in need of assistance with food purchases.

This assistance is limited and may be available to all clients on a first-come, first-served basis. A client can only receive a senior food voucher once and the vouchers are for use at specific grocery store chains. Assistance is dependent on available funding at the time of the individual's application.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet qualifying CSBG Income Guidelines, age requirements, Jefferson Parish residency, and agree to follow-up services for 90 days. Individual MUST meet ALL eligibility and required documentation requirements to qualify for assistance. In addition, applicants must have specialized diets or dietary restrictions to qualify.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR ASSISTANCE

Eligibility for all CSBG Funded Programs and Services is based on the United States Department of Health and Human Services' current poverty guidelines for household income and Jefferson Parish Residency.

Many programs and services require the same documentation, so it is best to make sure you have access to the documentation listed below to qualify. All documentation is needed to process your applications. These documents are required for all members residing in your household.

• A current Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana identification card
   
• Social Security Card for each household member
   
• Proof of income of all members in the household
   
• Earned income wagers should bring the following:
  • Last four (4) consecutive check stubs for income
  • Those who are unable to furnish the above will provide a Verification of Employment form (VOE) that their employer must complete.
     
• Unearned income must also be provided:
  • Unearned income includes, but is not limited to, alimony, retirement benefits, worker’s compensation, supplemental security income, Social Security, etc.
  • Documentation of unearned income includes but not limited to award letters, annuity letters, court judgments, current bank statements (for proof of SSA/SSI ONLY) and food stamps printouts dated within 30 days of the application date.
     
• Proof of Address – A current utility bill (in your name) or any other your bills dated within the last 30 days.
• Food stamp certification letter/printout dated within 30 days of application date.
• Additional information may be required for each program. Please see program eligibility requirements or contact your local community center for details.