Who to contact:

Rose Joe, Program Director

 

Pearl Scarbrough, Program Assistant

 

Sherba Hinton, Case Manager

 

Debra Bank, Case Worker

 

Minnie Young, Case Manager

COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT

T

he Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program is a federally funded grant program created by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981. The program aims to combat poverty on a community level by removing the barriers to self-sufficiency clients may encounter. People meeting the income requirements may be eligible for monetary, non-monetary and case management services.

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case management helps a client work through existing obstacles to achieve self-sufficiency. Monetary and non-monetary assistance may be available to clients who meet income eligibility requirements.

LIHEAP

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers utility assistance for applicants with income at 150% of the U.S. Poverty Guidelines. Assistance is offered to pay heating and cooling bills.

WEATHERIZATION

The Weatherization Assistance Program provides referrals to weatherization services through PRVO in Columbia, Miss. Services offered include air sealing, insulation, minor repairs and cleaning, testing, repairs or replacement heating and cooling units or space heaters. Services are determined on a case by case basis.

HOW TO RECEIVE HELP

Services are available by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 228-769-1230 or come by the office at 5343 Jefferson Ave, Moss Point, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This appointment does not guarantee eligibility for financial assistance.

Please bring the following information for Electric/Gas Assistance and Rental/Utility Deposit Assistance:

  1. BILL – the bill must be in applicant’s name or spouse living in same household
  2. SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS and PICTURE I.D. – for all household members
  3. INCOME VERIFICATION-for the past four weeks for all household members
  4. DOCUMENTATION THAT ALL PAST DUE AMOUNT HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL
    *Take care of all past due amounts, prior to appointment. Only current charges will be considered!        
  5. BIRTH CERTIFICATE- for all Household members under the age of 6
  6. INCOME VERIFICATION (EXAMPLES)
    1. Pay stubs for the last four weeks of employment or a signed, dated letter from employer indicating the gross amount earned for the past four weeks.
    2. Child Support, TANF, Social security, SSI or VA award letter or bank statements showing direct deposit or unemployment award letter.
    3. NO INCOME - must provide whichever of the following is appropriate:  copy of termination or layoff letter, proof of registration at WIN Job Center or documentation of application for disability.
    4. Proof that you have registered with the child support office (written statement with in the past 30 days) or that you are receiving child support
    5. If you are self employed you must bring one of the following: Account Book, Receipt of payment/ sales receipt or notarized statement for income for the last 30 days.

*Please note you may be asked to furnish additional information or reschedule if you fail to bring in all requested information.

AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to provide supportive services/assistance to individuals or families that have been affected by conditions of the economy, for example: reduction in workforce (laid-off or decrease in hours) and loss of wages. ARRA is designed to target three areas: Education, Employment and Housing needs.

Educational Funds are available to assist individuals who want to re-tool themselves by going back to school in order to secure a trade or a degree; which makes a person more marketable for employment opportunities.

Housing Funds are based on certain situations to prevent home foreclosure and/or homelessness.

Employment Funds are used to assist individuals who may need assistance while they are in an active job search status.  The stimulus funds are used to help assist and stabilize homes in various ways.                                                                
Services are available by appointment; they can be made by phone (228) 471-1283 or (228) 471-1285 and at our local office, located at 5343 Jefferson Ave, Moss Point, MS 39562; Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In order to receive proper assistance in a timely manner, applicants must bring the following items listed below. Failure to provide the proper documentation may delay assistance. 

The following information is also needed if seeking assistance with a housing or utility deposit.

Examples of income verification includes: Pay Stubs, Award letter from Social Security, SSI, VA, and Unemployment Benefits. Child Support and TANF income will also need to be verified. If applicant does not have any income you must provide the following information:

If applicant is self-employed, present one of the following:

Below is a list of some mandatory responsibilities that clients must comply with: