CSS Services

Caseworkers are available to assist families with developing a Training & Service Plan that will address most of their social and supportive needs. Adults are provided with the tools and support to help them find and retain jobs that can support a family. Young people are provided valuable reinforcement to excel academically and have the opportunity to explore their interests. Special needs residents such as the elderly and disabled can tap into services that help them lead independent and productive lives.

In addition to one-on-one case management, CSS offers:

• Mini-Grant Program
  Although most participants' needs for employment, education, and supportive services can be met through the CSS provider network, there may be special services needed to achieve specific goals that require additional funding. To meet these special needs, the Mini-Grant Program has been developed. The program will provide some added financial assistance for the training or services participants might need.
  • The maximum amount for a voucher request is $1,000 and the minimum amount is $50.00 for adults ages 18 and up and $25.00 for youth under age 18. Special exceptions to these limits may be made on an individual case basis.
  • A participant may apply for funds to help achieve his/her personal self-sufficiency goals or on behalf of other household members who are listed on his/her lease.
  • Households may apply for a maximum of four grants during the course of the program. Households may not receive more than $2,000 during the course of the program. Special exceptions to these limits may be made on an individual case basis.
  • Grant payments will only be paid directly to approved vendors. No payments will be made directly to residents or other third parties, except in cases where sufficient reimbursement documentation is provided.
  • Applications for Mini-Grants may be made throughout the year. Application processing will not take more than 30 days from the date an application is received as long as all the required documentation is received by the housing authority.

Below are examples of eligible expenses:

1. Expenses associated with establishing, improving, or licensing a resident-owned business, including start-up fees for a small business. Applicants may be asked to provide a copy of a business plan or documentation that the applicant has completed training programs offered by the Small Business Administration.
2. Tuition fees, books, or other training materials for courses directly related to educational or employment self-sufficiency goals.
3. Purchase of tools, equipment and materials either recommended or required by vocational training or educational programs as related to self-sufficiency goals and not covered through other sources.
4. Expenses associated with youth recreation or development activities including tuition, registration fees, membership fees, and sports or dance program uniforms.
5. Fees for driving lessons through an approved driver education program to obtain driver's license to help meet the self-sufficiency goals in your ITSP.
6. Fees to upgrade from a standard driver's license to a specialized license (e.g. Commercial) that will enable you to meet employment goals in your ITSP.
7. Purchase of uniform clothing for employment-related purposes only. Documentation of employment or training program will be required.
8. Expenses associated with licensed treatment programs not covered through other sources.
9. Vocational fees, union initiation dues (not annual), and other expenses as related to approved self-sufficiency goals, and not covered by other sources.
10. Fees for state testing or licensing to certify competence or ability to work in a specific occupation (i.e, State Tested Nursing Assistant).
11. Expenses associated with homeownership counseling and assistance.
12. Academic supports to assist with GED/High School completion for individuals 14 and older.

Ineligible Expenses

1. Grants will not be provided for goods or services when there are other sources of funds to pay for these expenses.
2. Computers, technology equipment, or phones.
3. Credit card or other loan payments.
4. Car repairs or tune-ups.
5. Utility or rent payments.
6. Classes or training programs that are not directly related to the self-sufficiency goals in your ITSP.
7. Physical fitness programs.
8. Medical, dental, or optical expenses.
9. Expungement of criminal record.
10. Fees for reinstatement of driver's license.
11. Any expenditure that could create liability issues for the Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont.

• Childcare Voucher Program
  BHA realizes that childcare is a major barrier to self sufficiency. To address this issue, we have established the Childcare Voucher Program to offset the cost of childcare while parents are in school or are employed.
  • Each resident must be able to demonstrate that the childcare voucher will be used to pay or subsidize childcare services while the resident is working at a salaried job or participating in an education or training program that is part of his/her Individual Development Plan.
  • All childcare payments will be made directly to the childcare provider. No payments or reimbursements will be made directly to residents who are requesting the childcare assistance.
  • Child care expenses will be paid based on the following scale:
    
    

• Individual Development Account Program
  Individual Development Accounts are special matched savings accounts designed to help families establish a pattern of regular saving and, ultimately, purchase a "productive asset."

IDA participants may use their savings and match money toward any of three productive assets: to purchase a home, to start a small business or to pursue a post-secondary education.

IDA’s, through the use of matching deposits and supportive nonprofit organizations, help low-income families acquire both the capital and skills they need to "jump start" their lives, set goals for their future, and integrate themselves into the mainstream economy. IDA’s are not handouts; they are investments in people who are willing to first save and invest in themselves.

A "savings match" is a promise to supplement an IDA participant’s savings deposits. BHA will provide a 2:1 savings match, which means that for every dollar an IDA participant saves, he or she will have another 2 dollars added to their total account balance! Theoretically, if a participant saves $1,000, then BHA will match with $2,000, giving the family a nice nest egg to put towards their ultimate goal.

Savings matches are not "giveaways." Participants earn savings matches by saving their own hard-earned dollars and taking other steps to prepare for the future, like attending personal finance classes and a special asset-specific preparation program. These workshops are designed to help participants acquire or polish the personal and financial skills that are essential for long-term success, skills like long-range planning, household budgeting, credit repair, and savvy consumer habits. Furthermore, providing match dollars is a way to help hard working low-income families and individuals build a more stable and secure future. Everyone benefits when more members of a community have the tools they need to provide for themselves and their families.

These slots are available on a first come, first served basis, so call us today if you are interested in this great program! For more information on the CSS Program or to sign up for services, please contact Stephanie Hafford, CSS Caseworker at 409-951-7260 or Dianne Simon, CSS Caseworker, at 409-951-7261.
 

Beaumont Housing Authority
1890 Laurel
Beaumont, TX 77701
phone: 409.951.7200
fax: 409.951.7276