Help from West Central Georgia CAC.
Using funds from the Community Service Block Grant, the non-profit West Central Georgia CAC may be able to help low income families and those living in poverty. Both short term financial aid is available along with resources for longer term stability, such as employment or credit counseling.
The agency administers programs in the counties of Dooly, Macon, Marion, Schley, Crisp, Sumter, Taylor, and Webster. If the organization is not able to offer their own solution then they can often help people apply for government benefits, such as SNAP food stamps. No matter what is done, everything available from the community action agency is focused on having a measurable and potentially major impact on poverty in the region.
Cash grants from CAC for paying bills
Cash grants from the West Central Georgia CAC Emergency Food and Shelter Program provides financial assistance to households. The aid is for people who are dealing with non-disaster-related emergencies. Funding is intended for rent or mortgages. The money can be used by clients for avoiding eviction, foreclosure, and/or utility disconnection. Find more information on homeless prevention in Georgia.
West Central Georgia CAC has received a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to help homeless individuals and families who are making the transition into a new low income apartment or temporary housing. So the agency can help people with paying a security deposit, and then eventual permanent housing. This is accomplished through intensive case management services and financial aid.
The HUD service can help with locating and obtaining temporary housing in shelters or hotels in Webster, Taylor, or Macon. Staff also help clients with locating and obtaining permanent housing or coordinate budget counseling as well as Life skills education.
LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance provides one time financial assistance to offset increasing home heating energy bills. This can help pay costs for eligible low-income households, with an emphasis on the elderly and/or disabled in western Georgia. LIHEAP assistance is available during both the heating and summer cooling seasons.
Weatherization provides homeowners with free energy-efficient alterations and additions to the homes of low-income applicants. It is offered in all counties, including Schley, Macon, and Crisp. This program has the goal of lowering the costs of home heating and cooling bill and also easing financial hardship for eligible families and individuals. There is a focus on the elderly and the disabled. Available services include weather stripping, attic and wall insulation, caulking, and more.
Gently used, or sometimes new, donated clothing for men, women, and children is available. This is done through West Central Georgia CAC. Once eligibility is determined and needs are discussed during an interview with a community action volunteer, each client is given the opportunity to select the clothing items of their choice from the center, even including diapers, children’s underwear, blankets, and much more as donations become available.
Free food and hunger prevention
Residents of West Central Georgia who are experiencing hunger or food insecurity are encouraged to contact the CAC Food Pantry. If found to be eligible, the center furnishes five days’ worth of food to each qualifying household. The special needs of children, seniors, or others that are struggling such as homeless clients are also met.
Pantry packages contain nutritious items that can be assembled into well-balanced meals, and the regular box of food may be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown in the local community garden. There are also special needs such as baby formula and similar goods.
To increase awareness of and enrollment in the Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the community action outreach service assists low-income clients with the food stamp - SNAP application process. In addition, the staff explain the details of the program, including eligibility requirements, and then assist interested participants as they complete the pre-screening process.
These services are provided in conjunction with the Department of Public Welfare in all counties, such as Crisp or Macon. There is also the ultimate goal of helping participants with joining the food stamp program, thereby making their lives healthier. There is also a way to get emergency food stamps.
TEFAP - Temporary Emergency Food Assistance distributessurplus USDA commodities for home consumption. The federal resource targets low-income seniors, individuals, the disabled, families, as well as the unemployed.
Case management services from community action in Western Georgia
West Central Georgia CAC uses the Results-Oriented Management and Accountability Approach to tackle the cause of the hardship. There are different aspects of it, as follows. Staff work with clients on increased self-sufficiency, which can lead to improved living conditions for low-income residents. There is also the establishment of partnerships among supporters and providers of services targeting low-income residents. Another goal is to help the vulnerable reach their potential through the strengthening of family relationships and any other needed supportive systems.
Strong and healthy families are vital for creating and sustaining a strong and healthy community. To make this happen, West Central Georgia CAC’s Family Support and Self Sufficiency Program offers services that provide the skills, knowledge, and tools that are necessary for low-income households to achieve and maintain stability. The community action organization works in collaboration with local social service providers or charities. They also partner with private sector and civic organizations as well as local government officials in the development of these programs.
West Central Georgia CAC’s Senior Services provide a relaxed atmosphere that creates a sense of familiarity for disabled or otherwise functionally impaired seniors. It is for those who benefit from a structured environment and a regular daily routine. The agency's Ombudsman, or citizen representative, advocates for our senior clients who may be experiencing issues in regard to the level of care being received in nursing homes or long-term care settings.
West Central Georgia CAC provides one-on-one coaching that includes assistance with job search strategies; resume creation; goal setting and assistance with interview skills. As part of this, the non-profit's JobNet Services counselors are always available to offer support and encouragement.
Locations of CAC in Western Georgia
For more details, West Central Georgia CAC has several offices. They are as follows.
- Crisp County Community Service Center, 208D 11th St. South, Cordele, Georgia 31015, dial 229-273-6421
- Dooly County Community Service Center, 2332 Pine St., Unadilla, Georgia 31091, telephone 478-627-9206
- Macon County Community Service Center is at 4036 State Rte. Hwy 90/E Vienna Rd. in Montezuma, Ga 31063. The number is 478-472-3607.
- Marion County Community Service Center location is 116 S. Rogers St., Buena Vista, Ga 31803. Call 229-649-7787 for information.
- Schley County Community Service Center - 420 Wilson St., Ellaville, Georgia 31806, 229-937-5450
- Sumter County Community Service Center office - 110 N. Jackson S., Americus, GA 31709, telephone 229-924-1434
- Taylor County Community Service Center, 202 E. Main St., Butler, Ga 31006, telephone - 478-862-3715
- Webster County Community Service Center, 40 Cementary Rd., Preston, GA 31824, call 229-828-4751.
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