Community Action Program

Community Action Program (CAP) seeks to remove barriers and create opportunities for low-income individuals and families that will enable them to become more self-sufficient. CAP administers federal funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block (CSBG) as well as County funds which provide assistance for those individuals and families who qualify for services.

Program services are available to all Palm Beach County Residents based on their total household income. A household’s income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to be eligible for LIHEAP electric utility assistance and restoration. To be eligible for CSBG funds, an individual or family’s income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

LIHEAP funds support electrical utility bill assistance to prevent disconnections and/or restore services for households whose services have already been terminated.

CSBG funds are used to provide water and gas utility assistance and housing relocation and eviction prevention services for eligible individuals and families. These funds also support the Family Self Sufficiency Programs (FSSP) within Community Action Program. FSSP provides case management, job readiness and employment services as well as offers financial management and vocational opportunities through contracts with community partners and agencies. The vocational training classes offered through the Family Self-Sufficiency Program include Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) A & B, Security, Patient Care Technician, General Education Degree (GED), English as a Second Language (ESOL), Home Health Aide (HHA), and Entrepreneurial development.

Community Action Program continues to work toward helping individuals and families in Palm Beach County meet their housing needs, prevent or stabilize those with a utility crisis, and complete vocational and financial management trainings to help move them from poverty toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.