The Office of Community Services (OCS) partners with states, communities and agencies to eliminate causes of poverty, increase self-sufficiency of individuals and families and revitalize communities. Our social service and community development programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.
Programs for Families | Programs for Communities | Tribal Programs
Programs for Families
Assets for Independence (AFI)
AFI is a community-based approach for giving low-income families a hand up out of poverty. Utilizing existing individual and community assets, AFI strengthens communities from within through the use of matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). No funds were appropriated for the AFI program for fiscal year (FY) 2017. ACF has not made new grant awards for the AFI program since FY 2016.
Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot
The Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot expands existing diaper distribution networks to address diaper need as well as connect individuals and families with support services to increase economic mobility.
Social Services Block Grant Program (SSBG)
SSBG program enables each state or territory to meet the needs of its residents through locally relevant social services. SSBG support programs that allow communities to achieve or maintain economic self-sufficiency to prevent, reduce or eliminate dependency on social services.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP grants are available to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and Federally and state-recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations that received fiscal year 2021 Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants.
Programs for Communities
Community Economic Development (CED)
CED program improves low-income communities across the country. CED awards federally funded grants for well planned, financially viable, innovative projects that enhance business development and create jobs for low-income individuals.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
CSBG provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.
Rural Community Development Program (RCD)
RCD is a federal grant program that works with regional and tribal organizations to manage safe water systems in rural communities.
Tribal Programs
Tribal Services
The Tribal Liaison Workgroup works with tribes and tribal organizations to keep them informed of opportunities and resources available within the Office of Community Services.