The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
What is the grant?
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded grant that provides funds
to support services that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty. This funding is
provided to support projects that address the needs of low-income individuals including the
homeless and the elderly, and provides services and activities addressing employment,
education, better use of available income, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or
health services.
States and CAAs work together to achieve the following goals for low-income individuals:
- Increased self-sufficiency
- Improved living conditions
- Ownership of and pride in their communities
- Strong family and support systems
CSBG Funding
CSBG funds local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to carry out a variety of activities
designed to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income
families and individuals to become self-sufficient. The Miami County Community Action
Council (MCCAC) receives CSBG funding once every other year to provide utility and
transportation assistance; crisis and emergency assistance, and health services among other
community-based services aimed at creating pathways out of poverty and revitalizing
underserved communities.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must reside in Miami County. The household must demonstrate an emergency situation, such as eviction, foreclosure, utility disconnection, or an emergency repair. The program also includes emergency medical and dental assistance, and emergency transportation assistance. The assistance provided must satisfy the emergency situation, and all applicant copayments must be made before emergency assistance will be released.
Required Documentation
- Birth Certificates and Social Security Cards are required for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members (paystubs, benefit statement, etc.)
- Emergency documentation (lease agreement & eviction notice, utility disconnection bill, or similar)
- Completed application with signature and date
Income Guidelines
Household income must fall within program guidelines, at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Application Process
Applications may be submitted in person (dropbox) or by mail to the Miami County Community Action Council office located at 1695 Troy Sidney Road in Troy, across the street from Duke Park.
Assistance Provided
- One-Time Emergency Grant -- limited to a maximum of $750 per household per two-year grant program
- Housing Support -- payment towards rent arrears to prevent eviction or payment toward mortgage arrears to prevent foreclosure
- Utility Support -- payment toward utility bills to prevent service disconnection; must apply for all other utility assistance programs first
- Other Emergency -- emergencies not listed may qualify; please ask
Appeals Process
Applicants denied assistance may submit a written appeal within 10 business days. All appeals will be reviewed by the Executive Director, and a decision will be issued within 15 business days.