Contra Costa County, EHS, Community Services Bureau assistance programs.
The community action agency in Contra Costa County California works closely with the government as well as public resources. While they only offer a few direct programs on their own for qualified low income residents, the EHS, Community Services Bureau is a great place for referrals and other forms of support.
The main resources available by this division include utility bill help from the LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, referrals to government financial aid, weatherization, and some education resources, such as Head Start. Many of these are funded by the state of California or the federal government and the Department of Energy (DOE). However they also work very closely with other county departments and public assistance resources, including agencies that help with rent or eviction prevention.
Community Action Agency energy bill programs
LIHEAP is the state’s and nations main energy assistance program for low income families, seniors, and the disabled. It provides qualified Contra Costa County families with financial assistance or credits for paying their energy bills. It is for people whose income meets certain federal government poverty guidelines.
For those that qualify, they can receive one time help for paying their annual utility bills. There is also a crisis component in California. This option will offer them immediate financial assistance if they have a shut-off or disconnection notices. Other components of LIHEAP will provide the applicant with energy education and budget counseling.
Many of the residents in Contra Costa County California that are applying for energy assistance may also receive free energy reduction and weatherization services for their homes. There may be a waiting list for this though.
When available, the federal weatherization program pays for the installation of insulation and other energy conservation measures that will reduce the loss of power from the home or apartment. It may be insulation, caulking, furnace repairs, and patching to roofs. This will then in effect help them save money on their monthly energy bills.
Other services from Community Services Bureau and LIHEAP include bill payment assistance, energy-related home repairs, credit counseling, and more. The program is administered from 2530 Arnold Dr., Suite, Martinez, CA 94553. Main phone (925) 681-6380 or (925) 335-8900.
Education services in Contra Costa County
Head Start is run by the non-profit community action agency. It was created by the federal government in an effort to maximize opportunities for each child to develop social and educational competence. The main components of it are below.
- Home-Based is generally a form of child care services to parents who are in transition from general welfare to the full time work force. Usually, Exempt Providers are friends or relatives.
- Early Head Start is for pregnant women, young children under the age of 3, and low income families. It is paid for from grants awarded by the federal government.
- The most well known component, which is just known as Head Start, can provide children with a number of services. Their parents may also benefit it. Free food, meals, medical check ups, and of course educational support is offered. Parents can access self-sufficiency resources, such as information on job training or career counseling.
A big focus is on education around employment. As the cost of living in northern California is high, and the demand for highly skilled employees is very high. There are workshops in Contra Costa County around computer programming, website development, engineering, healthcare, software, and more. Learn more about job training programs run by the government.
Referrals
Community Services is just one department in the wider Employment & Human Services Department. These different groups and departments in Contra Costa County help tens of thousands of residents per month. Many of them are families with children, the elderly, unemployed, or disabled.
The goal of many of these programs is to help low income families in a crisis stay housed, fed, and safe. Whether rent/mortgage/utilities or medical or food, resources are out there. To get more information on additional resources, including general cash assistance, housing, Cal Fresh and more. Click here Contra Costa County public assistance.
Location of Community Action in Contra Costa County
Whether utility bill help or referrals, social services are available. Otherwise, the Contra Costa County, EHS, Community Services Bureau is located at 1470 Civic Ct, Concord, CA 94520. Another site is at 40 Douglas Drive, Martinez, California 94553. The main number is 877) 505-4630 or (925) 313-1551.
|
