Assistance Offered by CDCAA

CBSG Services

Successful Transition to Economic Prosperity (STEP)

Central Delta Community Action Agency’s case management program, Successful Transition to Economic Prosperity (STEP), operates in compliance with the requirements of federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures. The STEP program offers individuals and families experiencing hardship a custom path to strengthen areas of participants’ lives by providing information, resources, and referrals in their pursuit of short- and long-term personal, professional, and financial goals.

This transformative service helps individuals and families to develop a long-term plan to overcome obstacles that keep them from achieving their dreams. STEP assists individuals and families by addressing the areas that are often the most challenging such as: safe and affordable housing, employment and income, financial management and budgeting, access to affordable healthcare, and education. STEP program participants receive one-on-one attention and wrap around services through extensive case management services.

Services may include:

  • Resume development
  • Interview coaching and job search assistance
  • Educational advising
  • Rental and utility assistance
  • Nutrition assistance
  • Assistance obtaining documents (identification, SNAP, medical insurance, school transcripts, social security and disability)
  • Referrals

Assistance will be rendered to individuals in acquiring useful skills and knowledge, gaining access to opportunities, removing barriers to resources, and assisting participants in reaching their goal of self-sufficiency.

Services are based on participants’ identified need(s) and are provided in a responsive, coordinated, and professional manner.

Eligibility Requirements

STEP program: To be eligible for participation in this program, the participant must reside within CDCAA’s five-county service area and be at or below 125% of the federal income threshold as determined by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) based on the most recent federal Census data and as revised annually or more frequently by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Services will be provided on a first come first serve basis with greater priority given to vulnerable populations (60+ years; disabled; or have children 5 and under.) Client eligibility is based on income.

Emergency Services

Central Delta Community Action Agency

Community Services Block Grant

Emergency Services Policy

CDCAA is focused on building stronger and healthier communities and is dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing education, services, and opportunities for self-sufficiency. CDCAA recognizes individuals and families will face obstacles where assistance could be needed. Due to this, CDCAA allocates emergency services funds to work to meet needs clients are facing.

To be eligible for assistance, an individual or household must meet the following criteria:

  • Proof of emergency caused by a recent unforeseen circumstance.
    • Examples of eligible examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Recent loss of a job.
      • Significant cut in hours or pay.
      • Divorce or death of a spouse.
      • Medical illness or serious injury.
      • Significant and unavoidable car expenses.
      • Significant and unavoidable home expenses.
    • Be a resident of Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson, or Lincoln counties of Arkansas.
    • Be at or below 125% of the Federal Income Threshold for the current fiscal year; and
    • Provide documentation required which includes but not limited to the following:
      • Proof of the previous 30 days of household income for all household members.
      • Identification of the applicant.
      • Proof of emergency; and
      • Proof of residence if address on identification does not match current service address.

Emergency CSBG Assistance can be used as follows:

  • Utility Assistance (cooling, heating, or water) – Up to $150.00.
  • Rental Assistance – Up to $300.00.
  • Minor Home Repairs – Amount based on need and must be approved by ED.
  • Minor Home Appliances – Amount based on need and must be approved by ED.
  • Car Maintenance – Amount based on need and must be approved by ED.
  • Other items deemed appropriate as they relate to CSBG regulations.

If the applicable amount of assistance is not enough to resolve the crisis situation, the client must pay the difference or prove the difference has been paid by another entity/organization before CDCAA will make a pledge toward the bill.  If a client is not able to make their portion of the payment owed, CDCAA will work with other community partners to see if other funding is available to help resolve the payment. If there is no additional assistance available, and the client is not able to pay their portion, no payment/pledge will be made toward the client’s crisis situation.

Clients may apply for emergency assistance at each instance that an emergency creating, financial hardship occurs but may not receive benefits more than one (1) time per twelve (12) month time period.