Community Action Bismark Agencies recently undertook a state-wide community needs assessment in collaboration with North Dakota State University and the Division of Community Services of the North Dakota Department of Commerce.
Each of North Dakota’s eight regions has complete findings that highlight the requirements in their geographic region in terms of employment, income and asset development, education, housing, health and social/behavioral development, civic involvement, and other assistance.
Their Programs
Assistive Equipment Program
Donated assistance equipment, such as walkers, chairs, canes, grab bars, crutches, and wheelchairs, is received by the Assistive Equipment Program.
These products are provided free of charge to anyone who requires them but cannot purchase new equipment.
Backpacks for Children
Backpacks for Kids was founded in 2006 to meet the nutritional needs of homeless children. Children categorized as lost live in overcrowded homes, stay with family or friends, stay in hotels/shelters, or sleep in automobiles.
The children are offered “kid-friendly” items such as cereal, granola/yogurt bars, fruit cups, applesauce, pudding, tinned dinners, peanut butter, jelly, and bread. Every other there, the food boxes are given to the schools.
The school distributes them to youngsters in need. Community Action collaborates with schools to identify who is in condition.
Also Read: Pearl River Valley Opportunity
CDBG Accessibility Assistance
The City of Bismarck funds the CDBG Accessibility Assistance Program, which assists income-eligible households with a disabled family member to remedy accessibility and home repair concerns in their houses through the Community Action Program.
They use this money to aid with building wheelchair ramps, installing walk-in showers, installing grab bars, and removing architectural barriers to make it simpler for them to move around in their homes.
Donation Center/Clothes Closet
Clothing, household items, and furnishings are provided at no cost to qualifying households. Volunteers to help at the center are used and appreciated.
Continuum of Care (COC)
This program is intended to offer long-term housing and supportive assistance to homeless people with disabilities and their families living in emergency shelters or locations not suited for human habitation.
Using the housing-first strategy, the program provides several housing options and a spectrum of supporting services in response to the needs of the hard-to-reach homeless population with disabilities.
Programs for Energy Efficiency
Theyatherization, emergency furnace repair/replacement, residential energy efficiency program and cooling program are among the energy efficiency programs covered.
The Weatherization Program helps low-income homeowners and tenants save energy by making their houses more energy-efficient.
By focusing on the issues of heat loss and air penetration, the program helps boost energy efficiency and minimize heating expenditures. Theyatherproofing fixes such as insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping are available to low-income homes.
The Emergency Furnace Repair and Replacement Program aid households in repairing or replacing dangerous heating systems. Clients must be qualified for the Fuel Assistance Program, and a co-payment may be requested.
Cooling Assistance assists those who need a cooled place in their house throughout the summer. Medical verification is necessary, and the household’s income must be within certain limits.
Local companies can provide you with a window air conditioner, a ceiling fan, or repair the current cooling equipment. Electrical upgrades to the house to allow cooling equipment to function correctly are also eligible.
Energy Share
Energy Share is a collaborative initiative of North Dakota Community Action Agencies, utility providers, and individual donors to assist qualifying households in preventing pothier shutoffs.
When a situation is designated an emergency, qualified Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) families are offered to avert pothier shutoffs.
Food Bank
The Community Action Food Pantry distributes food baskets to low-income individuals and families in need. Throughout, a bread shelf is also accessible.
These programs, dependent on income eligibility, are available through the Community Action office.
Helping Hands
The monies acquired via the ND Housing Finance Agency for the Helping Hands Program are intended to support new or existing single-family or multi-family rehabilitation initiatives.
These monies are used by Community Action Program for various purposes, including emergency repairs, disability accessibility, and assistance for their other rehabilitation activities.
REHABILITATION PROGRAM AT HOME
The HOME Rehabilitation Program is a HUD-funded program administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services.
This cash is used to assist bring existing single-family, low to moderate-income, owner-occupied houses up to Section 8 Housing Quality Standards and North Dakota HOME Program Rehabilitation Standards, ensuring that the home is respectable, safe, and sanitary.
Past due Rental Assistance
Individuals with low income who have received an eviction notice owing to nonpayment of rent may be eligible for assistance with up to one month’s rent to stop the eviction and prevent becoming homeless.
The availability of grant monies determines the extent of the aid.
Assistance with Security Deposits
Individuals with low income may be eligible for assistance with a security deposit to get safe and affordable housing.
The availability of grant monies determines the extent of the aid.
Self-Sufficiency Program
This program is intended to assist people and families in achieving economic self-sufficiency. A case manager works one-on-one with program participants to help them create and achieve goals by:
- Detecting and addressing issues
- Locating community restheirces.
- Investigating educational and job options.
- Increasing and increasing one’s self-esteem.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF)
It helps homeless Veterans and those in danger of becoming homeless find secure and stable homes. Case management, aid in applying for VA benefits, financial assistance with housing, and help in connecting with other community resources are some of the services that may be provided.
Rental Assistance Based on Tenant (TBRA)
The purpose of Tenant-Based Rental Assistance is to help people and families improve their housing stability, skills and income, and self-sufficiency. The number of grant monies available decides the duration of help.
Tri-State HELP
HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids), HELP FOR THE TRI-STATES (Housing Environment for Living Positively) is a needs-based program for low-income HIV/AIDS patients and their families residing in North Dakota, Montana, or South Dakota.
They require housing help and related services.
The program aims to provide a secure home environment and access to resources like medical care, recovery, and counseling programs.
