Assistance programs from Community Action Partnership of Riverside County.
The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County is one of the leading non-profit organizations in the region. The group is part of the larger, nationwide community action organization. They provide help to thousands of less fortunate, low income, and struggling families every year. The type of services include low income energy bill assistance, weatherization, referrals to government benefits such as housing, and more.
One of the main resources they run in Riverside County is the federal government Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program , or LIHEAP. This is for very poor and struggling families. It will provide them with cooling and utility bill payment assistance. Clients may also receive weatherization services, which can help them save money and energy.
While it is available in southern California, the program is paid for by Federal Department of Health and Human Services through the California Department of Community Services and Development. Those qualified low-income households benefit from government grants and this utility payment assistance per year. Hundreds more will usually have their homes weatherized. The aid paid out by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County is one time only.
There are some other options for people in the community. The non-profit also has information on SHARE, which is specifically for Riverside Public Utilities customers. If someone is a City of Riverside utility customer it is recommended that they apply for SHARE first, before applying for government assistance from LIHEAP. Not only may this provide them with more financial aid, but it will help with the approval process. The SHARE program is run from an office at 2038 Iowa Ave., STE B-102, Riverside, Ca. 92507.
The LIHEAP program also has an Energy Crisis Intervention Program. This part of the program consists of natural gas and electric bill payments, propane, wood and heating oil payments. There may even be funds or grants to pay for furnace repair and replacement.
All of this, and more, is for those Riverside households that have been identified to be in a crisis situation. An emergency LIHEAP ECIP payment is made when an applicant receives a disconnection notice, if they run out of fuel, or if they have some other type of utility service disconnection notice. It is for those who would otherwise have a life threatening and/or emergency situation if their power was to be disconnected or terminated.
The non-profit Community Action Partnership of Riverside’s Weatherization Assistance Program is also paid for by the state of California and the federal government. It is a low-income residential energy conservation program that also provides tips and education. The government program provides homeowners with free home energy conservation services. It may even be offered to renters with the landlords approval.
These conservation services lower utility bills, reduce energy use, and also create more self-sufficient households over the long term. Some of the improvements provided may include additional attic insulation, caulking, heating/cooling system repair, water heater blanket and other free conservation measures. An energy audit and inspection of the home or residence will be included too.
Weatherization will lower a households heating and cooling costs, make the home more energy efficient, and in general make it safe and healthier to live in. While the yearly savings will vary based on many factors, some Riverside families have saved hundreds of dollars per year on their bills.
Riverside County is a region where cars are needed. Residents need to drive, fight traffic, and get around for work, fun, school, or job training. There is transportation assistance as well. Some charities work with community action partnership on this. If qualified, and if needed for work, there may support, and learn more about be free automobiles.
Free income tax assistance, including filing and preparation, is offered by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Specialists from Action Partnership of Riverside County provide this service. It will help the low income and seniors access the tax credits & refunds they are entitled to. There are several different free VITA sites located throughout Riverside County.
Everything offered is done so at no cost. Consumers can get information about the Earned Income Tax Credit, FREE tax preparation services & much more is provided to the community by collaborative partners.
Riverside families will also learn about, and see if they qualify for, the Earned Income Tax Credit. This is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income, working poor individuals across the nation. At a high level, when the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed by the family, it results in a tax refund to those who claim qualify for the credit.
Work Ready Programs are for Riverside residents that are on welfare (CalFresh, etc.), TANF, or some other form of public aid. The Community Action Partnership assists clients with overcoming barriers to stable employment and finding work or increasing their income.
The client will be assigned a team member to partner with. Together participants are given assistance with finding employment which will lead to self-sufficiency as well as long term independence. They can even learn about “non-traditional” programs such as writing book reviews for money. This program will place them into career readiness workshops. Once they have some skills, the next part of Work Ready is given the person an opportunity to enroll into paid and unpaid work experience opportunities.
To apply, individuals must be recipients of TANF benefits and they can't be employed already as a contractor or at a temp agency. They also need referrals from the Department of Human Services in Riverside County.
The agency will also have referrals for members of the community. Qualified residents can learn about emergency rental assistance, government benefits such as CalFresh, and much more. Case managers are available to help.
Locations of community action agencies in Riverside
There are a few options for residents. Services are offered for migrants, Spanish speakers, immigrants, the low income, and anyone who is struggling. The primary Community Action Partnership of Riverside County offices are below.
Hemet Service Center, 749 N. State St., Hemet, CA 92543, (951) 791-3567
County Administrative Center, 260 North Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225, phone (760) 921-5080
Workforce Development Center, 44-199 Monroe St., Suite D, Indio, CA 92201, phone (760) 863-2664
2038 Iowa Ave. Suite B-102, Riverside, CA 92507, telephone (951) 955 - 4900
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