COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CSBG) provides a range of
services designed to assist low-income people to attain the skills, knowledge
and motivation needed to achieve self-sufficiency in all of Maryland’s 24
counties through Community Action Agencies.
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Congress appropriates funds for the CSBG program. Eligible entities
or Community Action Agencies must receive annually 90% of the funds
appropriated. These eligible entities have been designated by either the
federal government or the State of Maryland's Department of Housing and
Community Development to act on behalf of Maryland's low-income population. The
Community Action Agencies are required to provide programs that meet the needs
of the local jurisdiction.
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WHO CAN APPLY
The eligible recipients of these funds are Maryland's seventeen designated
Community Action Agencies and one limited-purpose agency. Eligible
entities must have a tripartite Board of Directors in which one-third of the
members represent the private sector, one-third represent the public sector,
and one-third represent the low-income residents.
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ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
The services and activities that are provided by the CSBG eligible entities
must serve low-income persons in urban and rural areas throughout the State who
have incomes at or below 125% of the Office of Management and Budget's poverty
income guidelines are eligible to receive services from local eligible
entities. Community Action Agencies reach out to those in greatest need,
providing them with a variety of programs and services. In most cases, the
agencies try to provide services under a one-stop-shop service delivery system.
Services and activities may include:
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Housing, to include assistance with acquiring permanent housing, and assisting
with self -help housing
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Head Start Education for youth
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Nutrition programs, to include distribution of food stuffs
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Transportation programs that include transporting clients to medical facilities
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Employment services, and
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Emergency services, to include providing shelter and energy assistance to
low-income persons.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A
DIRECTORY OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES
Call Michelle W. Bass,
Project Manager
410-514-7233, 1-800-756-0119, Extn: 7233
bass@mdhousing.org
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