Description
This is a brief condensed history of our Agency that describes what we do, the area we serve and who we help. Although we have five (5) core programs that provide service to low-income, we also have assisted numerous organizations to become non-profits as well. To mention a few; both South Central Head Start and Migrant Head Start were initiated in 1969. We operated a Family Planning Project which was turned over to The District Health and secured a grant to help establish senior centers in Twin Falls, Buhl, Kimberly, and Burley in 1974. In 1980 we initiated the Guardian Ad Litem Program, now called CASA. We also operated an Emergency Migrant Health program that was eventually set up as Family Health Corporation to operate Family Health Services. In 1988 we received funds to provide service for emergency shelter to area homeless. This funding helped us to form the Homeless Shelter Task Force in 1990 which evolved into Valley House Coalition and finally establishing Valley House Shelter for homeless in 1995. Other organizations that we assisted in becoming their own entity include the Boys and Girls Club in 1992 and the Regional Housing Council in 1995.
The majority of our funding sources are State Pass-Through funds, which make the following services possible.
Community Services Block Grant Programs assisted:
(These programs operate at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Information and Referral Program
After initial assessment, participants are given information and written referrals to area service providers and organizations that specialize in the area of their need. This program covers our Employment Program, Housing Program, and Education Program.
• Emergency Medical Program
This program operates entirely from private donations and provides once a year assistance up to $50 per participant for prescriptions and/or medical/dental office visits.
• Transportation Assistance Program
This program assists participants with gas vouchers to continue to and from work between paydays, or participants actively looking for work. Also, provides gas vouchers to assist with transportation to medical appointments.
• Rental/Mortgage & Utility Assistance Program
This program assists families/individuals in crisis, either obtain or maintain their housing. The participant must have a source of income and show the ability to assume responsibility for payment next month. This is a one time benefit.
• Family Development Program
Family Development focuses on the family's strengths and builds on those strengths to broaden their base skills and enhance their ability to be self-sufficient. This program works closely with our Transition Housing participants.
• Homeless Assistance
Caseworkers assist homeless individuals and families with an initial assessment to help determine their needs and prioritize those needs. Referrals to Valley House and other homeless shelters are made through our offices. SCCAP may also assist with first month's rent to help working families transition from the shelter to more permanent housing.
• Emergency Food Box Program
This program provides emergency food to families that meet 133% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and according to the size of the family. Food boxes consist of USDA commodities, donated food and day old bread products from our Salvage Program. SCCAP accepts all food products that we are able to store. We act as the clearing house for most of these organizations, and are the first point of contact for the majority of the low-income citizens of the Magic Valley to turn to.
• Salvage Program
Day old bakery items are picked up daily at area stores and distributed. Participants receive bakery products with their food box and can come into the office once a week for bakery. Garden produce is also distributed through this program when available and storage is possible.
Energy Assistance:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap) is a seasonal program that provides a once a season monetary benefit to assist low income clients that meet 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines with their winter heating costs.
Weatherization:
Our program provides safe affordable housing, where units are preserved or improved through weatherization or rehabilitation. The Weatherization program utilizes sophisticated diagnostic equipment to determine needed energy measures. Participants save $1.83 for every dollar invested in their home. Some of the services provided included attic, floor and wall insulation, changing out old windows and doors with new energy-efficient products, and servicing heating supply systems, or in some cases, replacement of unsafe units. This program also operates at 150% poverty guidelines.
Housing:The Transitional Housing Program provides transitional housing for homeless families with children for no more than two years. Families in the program are enrolled in the Family Development Program. These families make a commitment to work with the Family Development Specialists to enhance their abilities and overcome barriers.
Finally, the last program that we are just getting off the ground, is our 0-2% Loan Program. This program allows us to go in and retrofit income-eligible homeowner's houses with improvements to include energy efficiency, safety and comfort. The loans range from a minimum of $1,000 upwards to $20,000. The loan, depending on eligibility, may be deferred until the home is sold or, at the homeowner's option, they may pay a minimum of $60 per month.
