Help solve the underlying conditions of poverty within communities.
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Partnering with local organizations to lessen poverty in communities.
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is funded through the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services. Funds are provided to local Community Action Agencies through the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Local partners provide services and activities addressing employment, education, income and asset building services, housing, nutrition, emergency services, and/or healthcare based on community needs assessments.
Who Qualifies for CBSG Assistance?
Someone who typically qualifies for CSBG assistance is within 125 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.
CSBG funding may be available to help if you need:
- Mortgage assistance
- Rental assistance
- Assistance obtaining a job
- Assistance obtaining education
CSBG funding supports projects that:
- Lessen poverty in communities.
- Address the needs of low-income individuals including the homeless and elderly.
- Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, housing, nutrition, and health services.
Eligibility for CSBG Assistance
Assistance through CSBG is available to individuals who are within 125 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. Use the table below to find the program income limit for different household sizes.
| Household Size | Poverty Guideline | 125% of Poverty Guideline |
| 1 | $13,590 | $16,988 |
| 2 | $18,310 | $22,888 |
| 3 | $23,030 | $28,788 |
| 4 | $27,750 | $34,688 |
| 5 | $32,470 | $40,588 |
Apply for CSBG Assistance
To apply for CSBG assistance, you will need to submit a pre-application through the Common Web Portal on Access MS. This information will be provided to the Community Action Agency (CAA) in your area. CAA staff will contact you to schedule an appointment, and you’ll complete your full application in person.
1 Submit your application for CSBG Assistance Online
To apply for assistance through CSBG, mark “Community Services” on the list of programs for which you’re applying.
2 Receive a Notice (Letter) with an Appointment Date & Time
After you submit your application, you should receive a notice (letter) in the mail or by email with an appointment date and time at your local Community Action Agency (CAA).
If you need to reschedule the appointment, call your CAA to request another appointment.
You should expect your appointment date to be within 30 business days of the day you submitted your application if you are elderly, disabled, or part of a family with a child age five (5) or under. All other clients should expect their appointment date to be within 45 days.
Your appointment notice will also provide you with details about the information that you need to bring with you to your appointment.
3 Gather Documents
Documents will be required to verify your residence, income, and the members of your household. Your appointment notice will provide you with instructions about what is needed.
Other documents may be required based on the type of assistance requested. For example, if you are requesting assistance purchasing tools for a welding apprenticeship program, you may be required to verify that you are enrolled in the program and provide documentation of the costs of the tools.
4 Complete an Appointment with your Local CAA
During your appointment, a local staff member will help you complete the full CSBG application and let you know if any additional information is needed for your case.
You should bring as many required documents as possible to your appointment, but don’t miss your appointment if you don’t have all of your documents. You’ll have time to submit more information after your appointment.
Remember to submit any additional requested information as soon as possible.
5 Receive a notice (letter) letting you know if your application was approved or denied.
You’ll receive a notice (letter) letting you know if you are approved to receive assistance through CSBG.
If you are approved, the CAA will pay the bill or the cost of the item on your behalf. For example, if you requested rental assistance, the CAA will pay your landlord directly.
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Contact Us
Community Services Division
You can contact the Community Services division by calling 1-800-421-0762.
Social security number for all household members, regardless of age