Emergency Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (CSBG) — CSBG provides services that assist low-income people in attaining the skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency. The program may also offer low-income people immediate life necessities such as food, water, shelter, etc. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administers the CSBG Program under federal law and the Illinois Economic Opportunity Act.

RENTAL/MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE — Emergency Service Rental/Mortgage Assistance has funding to assist families in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, and Williamson Counties who are past due on their rent or mortgage payments and are in danger of becoming homeless or are homeless due to a recent financial crisis affecting their ability to pay housing costs. Learn more >>

SCHOLARSHIPS — Crosswalk Scholarships are funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. The scholarship program is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income and disadvantaged persons of high academic attainment or potential. These scholarships can be used to provide formal education or occupational training at an accredited institution, with particular consideration given to fields of study in high-technology areas or other growth occupations.

EMERGENCY SERVICES — The Emergency Services program is funded from a number of different sources and is intended to provide one-time only assistance to individuals and households who are truly experiencing an emergency and who are in need of immediate life necessities, such as food, water, etc. We also have limited emergency funds available to help pay for small home repairs.

SENIOR SACK PROGRAM – The Vintage Vine Senior Sack Program is a key component to providing support for the most vulnerable seniors in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, and Williamson Counties. We are dedicated to helping seniors who are struggling with hunger and its underlying issues. We offer food and supportive services within an environment of caring and respect for human dignity and diversity. We help those we serve to turn life’s challenges into opportunities, to improve their lives, and to find new hope.

DIAPER PROGRAM – Diapers can be a major expense for low-income families with babies or toddlers. Money to pay for diapers must come from the family’s budget, because diapers are not available from family assistance programs like WIC, and are not an allowed purchase with the SNAP program. If families do not have enough diapers, their babies may suffer health problems or be turned away from childcare. Families may have to choose between diapers, which can cost up to $150 per month, and food. With the Covered Bottoms Diaper Program, we can provide diapers to low-income families.

For more information, contact the Crosswalk CSBG Emergency Service Staff.