Community Services
Block Grant (CSBG)

HOUSING ASSISTANCE 

Eligible services include a one-month payment, not to exceed $1,200.00, of rent, lot rent, or mortgage payment for housing needs of income eligible persons who have experienced a one-time emergency. Persons must have an eviction notice, late payment notice (mortgage), or be homeless. Except for good cause, a family may have a housing payment made once every two (2) calendar years.

 

Applicants must follow all steps provided by Tazwood and be able to show self-sufficiency should a one-time assistance be approved. A person's monthly income must be at least two times the monthly housing expense. Some exceptions to this are possible for loss of employment within the past 30-days. Additional documentation will be requested. Referrals will be taken from DHS, Homeless Shelters, Schools, etc.

 

Although they may be assisted whenever appropriate and/or possible, it is the responsibility of the client to obtain a fully completed, signed CSBG Housing Agreement and Tax Form from the relevant property owner or agent. No arrangements, verbal or otherwise, will result in payment by TCSI until TCSI receives this agreement. Appropriate steps will be taken to confirm the authenticity of the Agreement.

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In cases of an extended family or where an unmarried partner may be in the household, staff may take two applications rather than one application if all persons are eligible for service.

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Applicant's that are currently living in HUD or Section 8 housing, are NOT eligible for rent assistance. This is due to the applicant already receiving government assistance towards their rent. 

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​WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Water Bill Assistance program can help with a one-time payment to prevent a person's water service from being disconnected. The water bill must be in the applicant’s name and a shut-off notice is required. Customer's that are moving into a new residence with an outstanding bill with the water company, known as a bad debt, may also receive assistance with getting the debt paid. Documentation validating need of service is required. Maximum assistance is the up to $500.00, but must either restore service or stop the disconnection. A family may only have assistance once every two (2) years.

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CAR REPAIR PROGRAM

The Car Repair Program can help an eligible household with repairs to a vehicle. There are two different criteria's for eligibility.

• The client must be working an average of 27 hours a week and/or enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in school on campus, or

• The person is 60 years of age or old, or is receiving disability, living on a fixed income.

The purpose of the car repair program is to maintain employment, education potential, and/or self-sufficiency. The vehicle must be licensed and insured in the customer's name and the customer must also have a legal current driver's license. The customer can receive help once every two (2) years. We can issue a voucher of up to $1,000.00 and we have a list of certified shops that work with us. Additional documentation may be required for a shop outside of this pre-approved list.

 

HEARING AID PROGRAM

This program will help income eligible persons with purchasing a hearing aid for up to $3,750.00.

 

RESOURCE FAIRS

Resource Fairs will be held through out the service area with other providers to inform families of the local resources available in their community.

 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION ASSISTANCE

The Prescription Medication Assistance Program will assist persons under the age of 60 with needed prescription medication up to $1,000.00 per calendar year. A maximum of a one month supply may be purchased per voucher. Clients must be income eligible under the current CSBG guidelines and provide proof of age. No over the counter medications or supplies will be provided, with the exception of diabetic medication.

 

DENTAL ASSISTANCE

The Dental Program is designed to help low income persons with dental needs to help them continue in the work force and to help build up self esteem. Client must provide a dental estimate on the work needing to be done and an estimated cost for services. Clients receiving a medical card must use their medical card first, and Tazwood can pay for work not covered by the medical card.  No work is to be done until application is approved and voucher is issued. Maximum payment of $1,000.00

 

OPTICAL ASSISTANCE

The Optical Program is designed to help persons who do not receive a medical card receive an eye exam and/or pair of glasses. After eligibility is determined, a voucher will be issued to Bard Optical to receive the services. This program is limited to receiving this service one time per every two calendar years. Frames are limited to the Valu-Plus line only, clients may not upgrade frames. Tazwood will pay for other add-ons necessary to correct vision only. Clients may pay extra for scratch coating, UV tint or warranty.     

 

SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM

This program helps supplement 12 area food pantries to help supply food or non-food items to their low-income clients. All food pantries must have client fill out eligibility form and provide a list of items purchased with funds. These forms will be provided by TCSI.

 

SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM

This program is designed to help employed customers with financial assistance of summer day care for school aged children. This is designed to assist parents to maintain permanent employment of at least 30 hours a week or full-time student status, on campus. 

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A call-in day will occur in either April or May, and eligibility is first-come, first-serve, until all slots are filled.

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BACK TO SCHOOL FOOTWEAR PROGRAM

For eligible households with children in school (Pre K - 12th Grade), households can receive gift card(s) for Shoe Dept. Program goes through July - August. The household must have proof that children live in the house.

 

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Scholarship Program is required by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help income eligible persons with financial assistance to continue their education. The customer must meet income guidelines, be enrolled in an accredited college or trade school for at least 6 semester hours and maintain a “C” average in each class. The Scholarship Committee will make recommendations based on interviews with applicants.