Community Services

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The Community Services Block Grant is a federal block grant designated to provide assistance to state and local communities working through Community Action Agencies for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of individuals to become fully self-sufficient.

Transitioning Out of Poverty (TOPs)

 This program is available to clients who are referred to our CSBG Coordinator by other program directors. Directors may refer a client is taking initiative to improve their situation by seeking training, certifications, or who are starting work at a new job that will transition them from poverty.  Examples of TOPs Candidates could be individuals going to school to become a nurse, attending welding school, CDL certification course, Barbers school students, Cosmetology Students, etc. Or new hires at a plant or manufacturing center who may need assistance with purchase of safety equipment or fuel vouchers to get to their new job.

The purpose and goal of Transitioning Out of Poverty (TOP) is to assist households toward self-sufficiency. This is accomplished through one-on-one intense case management, addressing the barriers and challenges that the household is facing. Objectives are to secure and retain meaningful employment, attain adequate education, with particular attention toward improving literacy skills, to make better use of available income, to obtain and maintain adequate housing and a suitable living environment.

CSBG Assistance Program

• Assists with Utilities: Water, Electric, Gas & Propane (if over 150% for utilities department or if missing Birth Certificate to avoid disconnect until utility department can assist or if undocumented US citizen).
• Fuel Assistance for Work or Medical appointment (for anyone needing assistance)
• Birth Certificate Purchase, if born in the state of Texas (for anyone needing assistance)
• Rent assistance emergency basis 1x only (for anyone needing assistance)

CSBG Assistance (Discretionary Fund)

• Assists with Utilities: Water, Electric, Gas & Propane (if over 150% for utilities department or if missing Birth Certificate to avoid disconnect until utility department can assist or if undocumented US citizen).
• Fuel Assistance for Work or Medical appointment (for anyone needing assistance)
• Medical Prescriptions: all prescriptions are to go through Rogers Pharmacy on Laurent
• Eye Exam: will cover cost of eye exam / Dr. Tan
• Eyeglasses: will cover up to a certain amount of eyeglasses at Walmart Vision Center.

Community Partner Program

• Assist with filling out Applications for the client(s) needing SNAP, TANF, Women's Health, Medicaid, CHIP.
• The Community Partner Program is to strengthen community partnerships with organizations that assist people in applying for Social Services using an online application.
• Community Action Committee of Victoria will service as a Community Base Organization (CBO) that collaborates with Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in assisting people apply for HHSC benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid/CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) and or manage their HHSC cases.