Community Services
Community Services provides an array of services for elderly, disabled, low-income individuals and families, and families with children.

“My husband and I came into the Harrison County Office in August seeking energy assistance for our electric bill. During our first appointment, I was enrolled in School working towards a Medical Assistance degree. Since graduation in September, I have been employed at a local health clinic. My husband has been unemployed since January and was denied Social Security benefits. Since our meeting with our case manager, he was able to gain full-time employment as a cook at a local oyster house.
We had been receiving SSI for one of our five children, SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8. I have not received any benefits for my four older children. We asked for LIHEAP assistance in the total of $600.37.
“MDHS was able to help us by providing the $600.37 we requested as well as $400 additional dollars for work uniforms and four backpacks filled with school supplies for our children.”
Programs
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services which provides funds through the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Community Services to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.
CSBG funding supports projects that:
- Lessen poverty in communities.
- Address the needs of low-income individuals including the homeless and elderly.
- Provide services and activities addressing employment, education, housing, nutrition, and health services.
The Division of Community Services distributes CSBG funds to local Community Action Agencies and Human Resource Agencies to address the needs of low income families by:
- Increasing Self-Sufficiency.
- Improving living conditions.
- Ownership of and pride in their communities.
- Strong family support systems.
Who is eligible for CSBG?
In order to receive CSBG services, individuals must be within 125 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How do I apply for CSBG?
Individuals who have never received services may submit a Pre Application through the Virtual ROMA website at https://virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov. This site is available nationwide but services and funds are for residents of Mississippi only.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor. Individuals without access to a computer may call the Community Action Agency (CAA) or Human Resource Agency (HRA) in their area. Refer to the agency directory for agency contact information and services location.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. This important resource provides financial assistance to eligible households in managing cost associated with:
- Home Energy bills
- Energy Crisis
- Weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs
Households may qualify for regular LIHEAP assistance and/or the Energy Crisis (emergency) Intervention Program (ECIP) for natural gas, wood, electricity, liquid propane/butane gas and other energy-related services.
Who is eligible for LIHEAP?
Individuals must be within 60 percent of the current State Median Income Poverty Guidelines.
How do I apply for LIHEAP?
Individuals who have never received services may submit a Pre Application through the Virtual ROMA website at https://virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov. This site is available nationwide but services and funds are for residents of Mississippi only.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor. Individuals without access to a computer may call the Community Action Agency (CAA) or Human Resource Agency (HRA) in their area. Refer to the agency directory for agency contact information and services location.
Weatherization is the nation’s largest residential efficiency program. The MDHS Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to reduce energy costs for eligible families by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. The program, which specifically focuses on assisting the elderly, disabled, and low-income families with young children, improves the energy performance of dwellings to decrease monthly energy expenditures. Weatherization crews provide the most cost-effective, energy-efficient measures to address health and safety concerns, improve comfort and indoor air quality.
Who is eligible for Weatherization Assistance?
The Weatherization Assistance Program is available to individuals who are within 200 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How can I apply for Weatherization Assistance?
Individuals who have never received services may submit a Pre Application through the Virtual ROMA website at https://virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov. This site is available nationwide but services and funds are for residents of Mississippi only.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor. Individuals without access to a computer may call the Community Action Agency (CAA) or Human Resource Agency (HRA) in their area. Refer to the agency directory for agency contact information and services location.
1. VALID PHOTO ID
- Photo driver’s license, US Passport
- State-issued photo ID
- Employment ID
- School, college or university ID
- US Military ID
- Tribal ID, alien registration/permanent residence card, temporary residence card
2. SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
- Certified Copies
- Card for all household members regardless of age
3. BIRTH CERTIFICATE
- Provide copy for all household members regardless of age
4. INCOME
- Award letters; (i.e., Social Security, SSI, disability)
- W2 form, paycheck stubs within a 30-day period, 1099, IRS Tax Forms with appropriate schedules
- Unemployment determination letter
- Child support, TANF Printout
- Other documents deemed eligible to verify income
5. RESIDENCE VERIFICATION
- Copy of utility bills
- Lease agreement
- Mortgage documents (i.e., deed)
**Other documents may be required**
Resources
Provided below are a few helpful links to sites for community services.
Division of Community Services
800-421-0762 | 601-359-4768
wdt_ID | County | Agency | Phone Number | Address |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Adams | AJFC | 601.442.8681 | 1038 N. Union St. Bldg A Natchez, MS 39120 |
2 | Alcorn | Northeast MS CS | 662.286.9263 | 3112 Shiloh Rd Corinth, MS 38834 |
3 | Amite | Southwest MS Opportunity | 601.225.7878 | 123 East Main St Gloster, MS 39639 |
4 | Attala | Central MS Inc. | 662.792.4033 | 550 MS-12 Kosciusko, MS 39090 |
5 | Benton | United CAC | 662.224.8912 | 380 Ripley Ave Ashland, MS 38603 |
6 | Bolivar | Bolivar County CAA | 662.846.1491 | 810 E. Sunflower Rd. St 120 Cleveland, MS |
7 | Calhoun | LIFT< Inc | 662.412.2222 | 166 Shannon St. Pittsboro, MS 38951 |
8 | Carroll | Central MS Inc. | 662.283.4781 | 101 S. Central Ave Winona, MS 38967 |
9 | Chickasaw | LIFT, Inc. | 662.447.2089 | 146 CR 412 Van Vleet, MS 38877 |
10 | Choctaw | Prairie Opportunity, Inc. | 662.258.8233 | 129-B Dunn St. Eupora, MS 38744 |
County | Agency | Phone Number | Address |