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The Community Support component of the agency provides emergency short term hardship assistance to vulnerable households faced with crisis situations, along with case management services.
We assist eligible households in meeting their immediate energy needs to avoid service disconnections
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible households with bill payment assistance, home energy crisis intervention, outreach, energy advocacy, information about utility consumer rights and referrals.
Assistance is available during the Winter and Summer programs and is awarded on a points-based system to ensure the most-needy are assisted first. It can take up to 30 days to process payment to the utility company, with exceptions given only for crisis payments (for shut-off notices) within 24 hours.
This program is offered during the Winter and Summer programs or until all funds are exhausted. Applications are taken during the Winter and Summer Programs, and are dependent on the availability of funds.
The Winter Program is open on January 8-April 30, 2024. When the Winter program opens, applications will be available online (www.getliheap.com) as well as at 2228 Albert Pike Suite P, Hot Springs, AR 71913. For assistance with water utilities through the LIHWAP Program, please visit www.arkansaslihwap.com
If extenuating circumstances are preventing you from paying rent or your mortgage, we can help. We provide assistance to families who are faced with a short term financial hardship or crisis and keep them from losing their homes through eviction or foreclosure. We also provide referrals for short term, transitional, and longer term housing support. Our aim is simple — to limit homelessness in the community. Eligible households can receive up to $1000 once per program year. If you qualify for assistance, payment will be made directly to the rental or mortgage company on your behalf by CSO. No funds for housing assistance are provided directly to customers.
Many low-income households struggle to keep food on their tables due to the escalating cost of basic items. The Emergency Food Assistance Program was established to help people in need get access to USDA donated nutritious foods in an effort to ameliorate hunger across the Hot Springs and Garland County community. Food is distributed at 2228 Albert Pike Road in Hot Springs through the food pantry every Tuesday and Thursday between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Food items for distribution include but are not limited to: Canned meats; canned vegetables; dried beans; canned fruits; canned fruit juices; peanut butter; apple sauce; rice; pasta; and soups. To receive food, you must be a resident of Garland County.
Income Eligibility Guideline
| FAMILY SIZE | WEEK | MONTH | YEAR |
| 1 | $365 | $1,580 | $18,954 |
| 2 | $493 | $2,137 | $25,636 |
| 3 | $622 | $2,694 | $32,318 |
| 4 | $750 | $3,250 | $39,000 |
| 5 | $879 | $3,807 | $45,682 |
| 6 | $1,007 | $4,364 | $52,364 |
| 7 | $1,136 | $4,921 | $59,046 |
| 8 | $1,264 | $5,478 | $65,728 |
| Each additional family member: | + $129 | +$557 | + $5,140 |
We provide non-emergency transportation to low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals (service animals are welcome). Transportation services may include doctor’s appointments, pharmacy trips, and other outpatient services. Rides are available on a first-call first-serve basis with priority given for medical reasons. A 48-hour notice is required and ride confirmation will be communicated by telephone or email. No eating, drinking or smoking allowed inside vehicles. Cancellations must be made at least two hours prior to scheduled pick-up time. Hours of service are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Our goal is to educate our clients on the importance of financial health in regards to credit, loans, budgeting and savings goals. We aim to equip those we serve with the financial capability to manage financial resources effectively. Being able to assist our community in these areas will help families get on their feet and achieve economic well-being and stability. Financial literacy is pivotal in being able to lead a comfortable and rewarding life. Knowing how to manage debt or comprise a plan to reach a big savings goal can make achieving landmark goals easier to tackle.
We provide a full range of assistance – employment, education, training, and support services – job seekers will need in order to succeed in the job market. Our focus is on placing individuals in quality jobs paying a living wage. Whether its resume writing, interviewing, building skills needed for a new job, or establishing job leads, we offer solutions or can connect you with our community partners that can help. Computers with internet access are also available free of charge for training and job search needs.
CSO offers a myriad of emergency services, including support with housing, food, clothing, medical, dental, and prescriptions. Our clients are also encouraged to join CSO’s case management program to set goals and develop strategies for long term stability. We offer aid and counsel on a broad spectrum of matters such as budgeting, home management, education, energy, conservation, and more. Additionally, we provide resource referrals to our community partners to ensure those we serve have sufficient access to resources and assistance.
Take the first step towards building a better life for your family by applying for Community Services Office programming.
Eligibility requirements that need to be met in order to receive services include the following:
View the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services federal poverty income guidelines chart below.
CURRENT INCOME GUIDELINES ARE AS FOLLOWS (FAMILY SIZE/INCOME LIMIT):
| PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLD | 100% | 125% |
| 1 | $13,590 | $16,988 |
| 2 | $18,310 | $22,888 |
| 3 | $23,030 | $28,788 |
| 4 | $27,750 | $34,688 |
| 5 | $32,470 | $40,588 |
| 6 | $37,190 | $46,488 |
| 7 | $41,910 | $52,388 |
| 8 | $46,630 | $58,288 |
| For each additional person add: | $4,720 | $5,900 |
Note: For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,900 for each additional person. Revised October 1, 2022.
LIHEAP INCOME GUIDELINE
| PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLD | INCOME LIMIT DETERMINED BY | MAXIMUM MONTHLY COUNTABLE INCOME (MCI) |
| 1 | SMI | $2,054 |
| 2 | SMI | $2,685 |
| 3 | SMI | $3,317 |
| 4 | SMI | $3,949 |
| 5 | SMI | $4,581 |
| 6 | SMI | $5,213 |
| 7 | FPG | $5,678 |
| 8 | FPG | $6,320 |
| 9 | FPG | $6,963 |
| 10 | FPG | $7,605 |
| 11 | FPG | $8,248 |
| 12 | FPG | $8,890 |
| 13 | FPG | $9,533 |
| 14 | FPG | $10,175 |
| 15 | FPG | $10,818 |
| 16 | FPG | $11,460 |
| 17 | FPG | $12,103 |
| 18 | FPG | $12,745 |
| 19 | FPG | $13,388 |
| 20 | FPG | $14,030 |
Note: Add $642 for each additional household member.
| LIHEAP Collateral Statement | LIHEAP Contribution Statement |
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Fill out the intake application online by clicking on the link below. If you have questions or need help filling out the application, please call an Intake Specialist at 501-624-5724.
Community Services Office
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