COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), created by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1998 provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities across this country. It is designed to provide a range of services which assist low-income people to attain skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. Local programs create, coordinate, and deliver essential services to poor and near poor Americans.
In general, CSBG programs emphasize both preventive aid as well as extended assistance, when necessary, to enable individuals to become economically self-sufficient. Emergency help is sometimes essential, but the programs use this opportunity to begin moving individuals away from temporary solutions fixes and towards long-term solutions. In our service areas of Aiken, Barnwell, and Lexington counties, we are coordinating a response to emergency conditions and providing case management/employment supportive services such that there can be stabilization of household acute conditions.
In general, CSBG programs emphasize both preventive aid as well as extended assistance, when necessary, to enable individuals to become economically self-sufficient. Emergency help is sometimes essential, but the programs use this opportunity to begin moving individuals away from temporary solutions fixes and towards long-term solutions. In our service areas of Aiken, Barnwell, and Lexington counties, we are coordinating a response to emergency conditions and providing case management/employment supportive services such that there can be stabilization of household acute conditions.
GENERAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROJECT (GEAP)
Additionally, within our three-county service areas, the General Emergency Assistance Project (GEAP) provides an immediate response to household emergency needs. This includes prevention of court-ordered eviction, financial assistance for establishing affordable housing, and assistance with limited medical emergencies. Budget counseling and referrals to other community resources and/or services are provided where appropriate. GEAP services are provided in collaboration with a myriad of community partners, including local faith based entities.
CASE MANAGEMENT/EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTIVE PROJECT |
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YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (YLP)
Effective January 1, 2027
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The Youth Leadership Project (YLP) provides low-income households which contain at-risk youth with a goal of developing leadership and character-building skills. YLP currently operates in collaboration with Helping Hands, Inc., an Aiken county residential facility that provides transitional shelter, education, advocacy, and counseling to high risk youth.
All projects operate each calendar year with limited funding within each county. Customers must be income and program eligible (assistance may vary with household situations). Income eligibility is based on the annual Federal Poverty Levels and is determined by previous thirty (30) days' gross income for the household. Additionally, prospective customers must be able to document and establish federal, state and county residency through officially issued IDs and Social Security Cards. |
Required Documents:
1) SC License or ID.
2) Social Security Cards for everyone in the household.
3) Your most current Lease Agreement.
4) Income for the last 30 days for EVERYONE in the household who is 18 years or older that is working.
5) Late or Eviction Notice
Income can include Child Support, Utility checks, Social Security/ Social Security Disability Income for the current year, Wages and Unemployment wages.
Bank statements are not accepted.
AGENCY CSBG ADMINISTRATION
For more information about CSBG, please contact:
Aiken County:
291 Beaufort Street, NE, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 648-6836
Fax: (803) 649-1588
Barnwell County:
216 Litchfield Street, Barnwell, SC 29812
Phone: (803) 259-3145
Fax: (803) 259-0626
Lexington County:
650 Knox Abbott Drive, Columbia, SC 29033
Phone: (803) 794-6778
Fax: (803) 794-7144