Southeastern Community Action Partnership assistance programs
The Southeastern Community Action Partnership (formerly known as Four-County Community Services) non-profit organization and its staff work with low income individuals. Most of the resources are offered in partnership with state of North Carolina and federal government funded resources, and examples can include LIHEAP, Head Start, or weatherization. Some of the main services administered are below.
The community action agency serves the counties and regions of Brunswick, Bladen, Columbus, Hoke, Pender, Scotland, and Robeson. Every year thousands of local families and struggling individuals receive some form of support from the Southeastern Community Action Partnership group.
The agency administers the Weatherization Assistance Program. This can help homeowners save money, and another related resource is the HAARP - Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program. Both of these were created in order to help make homes more energy efficient. They can provide caulking, air sealing, appliance repair, insulation and education. These services are provided for free by Southeastern Community Action Partnership to families that meet the eligibility requirements.
In general, residents in the area that have received income from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program prior to weatherization are automatically eligible for weatherization, regardless of income. Also, people from Pender, Robeson, and other counties that have an income less than 200% of poverty guidelines are usually qualified.
The Urgent Repair Program from Southeastern Community Action Partnership operates from a couple spots, including the Scotland Neighborhood Service Center as well as the Whiteville Neighborhood Service Center. It can help families with repair or modifications, with a focus on seniors or disabled. In order to be qualified for this project, applicants need to be facing threats to safety or life in the very near future. Applicants will need to be displaced if the house is not made handicapped accessible.
Rental assistance from the community action agency may be available. Case managers will also have information on section 8 housing programs. These various rent and housing resources allow for subsidies to standard rental property in the region and not public housing.
First time homebuyers can get advice, support, and guidance. The Home Ownership Program, which is funded and part of the Community Services Block Grant Self-Sufficiency Program / CSBG, can get help with accumulating escrow funds to help purchase homes in counties such as Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender.
Family Empowerment Self-Sufficiency is when case managers meet with clients. Together you will review family needs, strengths, and visions for the future. The goal is to increase income and help people overcome poverty and get off public assistance. Staff can help people apply for Head Start or weatherization (see above), the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and more. Staff from Southeastern Community Action Partnership (Four-County Community Services) also can direct the poor to the USDA Commodities Distribution or benefits such as SNAP food stamps.
Head Start is a federal program that promotes education and school readiness by enhancing the cognitive and social development of children from low income families. It works through the provision of health, educational, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.
Locations to apply to for assistance
The main addresses of Southeastern Community Action Partnership (formerly known as Four-County Community Services, Inc.) are below. Above is only a sampling of what they offer. The agency can help the poor and low income with various other needs as well.
Columbus County, Columbus Mobile NSC, 425 S. Lee St, Whiteville, North Carolina 28472, call (910) 642-6083.
Brunswick County is at 143 Holden Beach Rd, Shallotte, NC 28459, telephone 910-754-9441
Bladen County, Baltimore NSC, 2104 S. Elwell Ferry Rd, Council, North Carolina 28434, main phone 910-669-2919
Hoke County, 366 Thomas Dr, Raeford, NC 28376, 910-875-5536
Pender County is part of Pender NSC. Address is 112 S. Dickinson St, Burgaw, NC 28425, call 910-259-3274
Scotland County office is at 112 South Dickerson Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. For information on services dial 910-259-3274.
Robeson County, 405 N. Elm St., Lumberton, NC 28358. Main phone number is 910-754-9441.
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