Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
What is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)?
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program provides States with funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities. The funds provide a range of services and activities to assist the needs of low-income individuals including homeless, migrants and the elderly.

Who administers CSBG?
The Community Services Block Grant is administered by the Department of Welfare located within the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has a contract with Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho to act as a liaison with grantees and provide technical assistance in governance, management, service delivery, reporting, and program operation. CAPAI, in cooperation with the Department, monitors the agencies and their programs for compliance with state and federal laws, statutes, policies, and procedures.

What types of programs are supported with CSBG in Idaho?
Local Community Action Agencies in Idaho implement poverty ending and poverty reducing programs with their CBSG funds. Because the CSBG funds are flexible, many of the programs take an innovative approach to increase the impact they have on the communities they serve. The types of programs offered include:

Education:

  • GED education and assistance
  • Assistance for current and returning students
  • Tutoring
  • Home Buyer Education

Employment:

  • Employment Counseling/Referrals/Support
  • Financial Literacy
  • Micro Enterprise Programs
  • Job skills classes

Income Management:

  • Housing Services
  • Life Skills Classes

Housing:

  • Second Chance Renters Program
  • Rental Assistance
  • Veterans Services

Emergency Services:

  • Clothing and personal items to assist in obtaining and maintaining employment
  • Bus passes and gas vouchers
  • Homeless Services

Nutrition:

  • Assistance accessing food stamps
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Tables of Hope

Linkage:

  • Circles™

Family Development:

  • Case Management
  • Assistance in navigating Health and Welfare services
  • Referrals to other programs

Health:

  • Assistance with medical appointments
  • Clinics
  • HIV Prevention
  • HIV Screening

Youth:

  • Back to School youth programs
  • Financial Education for youth

How do I know if I qualify for these programs?
You are eligible to receive services under CSBG if your income is 200% or less of FPL. Please contact your local agency for service availability and further eligibility questions. Income Guidelines

How is a local agency identified?
Statewide agencies, local organizations or associations with demonstrated expertise in addressing the needs of low-income families and communities are designated by the local governments as Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Other special purpose agencies may receive CSBG funding, as well. The CAAs are designated under the CSBG Act section 673(1) and meet all requirements under section 673 (1)(A) and 676 (A) of the Act, as amended by the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998. The act requires agencies to have a tri-partite Board where 1/3 of membership is comprised of low income persons.

The CSBG Act has not been reauthorized since 1998, when will Congress reauthorize this act?
The CSBG Act was reauthorized by Congress in 1998, the act expired in 2003; Congress has continued to fund the program. It is unclear exactly when CSBG will be reauthorized, however the $1 billion additional funding which came through the Recovery Act indicates that reauthorization is near.

How are CSBG funds distributed?
In general, no less than 90% of funds will be distributed to eligible entities. For Idaho specific distribution formula, please see our State Plan. Idaho State Plan