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Individual and Organizational Assistance

Due to Covid-19 precautions, local agencies who serve customers in either LIHEAP or CSBG are closed to the public, however they are all taking applications remotely. Please contact your agency from the county list https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/CommunityActionAgencies/Pages/default.aspx for specific information.

The Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) provides assistance and funding to organizations such as Community Action Agencies and homeless shelters, which in turn help low-income individuals and families in Illinois.

  • Community Services Block Grant program for DeKalb County is now available through the  Family Service Agency of DeKalb County, Inc. at 14 Health Service Drive, DeKalb, IL 60115.
  • Community Services Block Grant program for Knox County is now available through the Western Illinois Regional Council, 223 South Randolph Street, Macomb, IL 61455.

Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG)

Through the CSBG program, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer a variety of services to assist individuals and families in moving towards self-sufficiency.  Federal funding is provided to Illinois' 36 Community Action Agencies to deliver locally designed programs and services for low-income individuals and families.  CAAs may partner with local governments, community-based organizations and the private sector to provide services.

CSBG helps individuals attain the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and provide immediate life necessities such as food, shelter, medicine, etc.  An equal emphasis is placed on self-sufficiency efforts and providing relief for the immediate needs of eligible low-income populations.  Individuals served must be at or below 125% of the federally established poverty level.

CAAs can assist with rental assistance, transportation, food, clothing, health-related services, and other programs designed to increase self-sufficiency, such as job preparedness, vocational skills training, education and housing assistance, nutrition programs and income management.

In the case of an emergency or disaster, food pantries, clothing, temporary shelter, transportation, day care and medical services may be provided to meet immediate and urgent family needs. In these cases, emergency services may be provided to persons or families with higher incomes due to swift or temporary poverty circumstances.

To learn more about the CSBG program, click here or the link on the right. 

To locate a Community Action Agency serving your area visit Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies or click here.

For more information contact:

Office of Community Assistance
Illinois Department of Commerce
217.785.1709
communityassist@illinois.gov

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