Community Services Department
Director: Cathy Merrill Holle e-mail: cmerrillholle@bfcac.org
Pasco Office: 720 West Court St., Pasco WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-4042 Fax (509) 544-9598
Prosser Office: 424 6th Street, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-3379 Fax(509) 786-3359
DEPARTMENT GOAL
The goal of the Community Services Department (CS) is to serve low-income individuals and families, using a variety of social service programs. The intent and purpose of programs offered is to provide options and alternatives directly related to increasing independence; to promote a high level of self-sufficiency and ultimately a greater quality of life for all of the individuals we serve.
EMERGENCY SHELTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ESAP)
Rent/Eviction Prevention Assistance
Assistance is provided to eligible households meeting the program eligibility requirements specific to this program. Assistance for first month rent is primarily limited to homeless situations, or where the applicant has been in a specific targeted shelter or program. Eviction prevention is primarily for households who have secure housing but a pending eviction due to non-payment.
Emergency Shelter
Emergency area motel vouchers for temporary assistance are available for individuals and families who have no shelter and are without funds to purchase shelter on their own. Assistance may be provided if individuals/families meet eligibility requirements and other area resources have been exhausted. Length of stay provided is normally between 1 and 7 nights.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This energy assistance program - is generally available between the months of January through June. Appointments are scheduled monthly for the following month. Information about eligibility is released to the public each year in November. Click here to apply online.
Helping Hands Assistance Program
Assistance with electric and natural gas disconnection for customers of our participating vendor companies through community donated dollars. Assistance is dependent upon eligibility and availability of donated dollars.
Senior and Disable Verification
BFCAC can provide income verifications for seniors and disabled persons in order that they may receive a discount on their utility bill.
HOME BASE JAIL RELEASE PROGRAM
This is a homeless housing assistance program for individuals who are homeless and being released from Benton or Franklin County Jails. Income eligibility is required. Application process is initiated while individual is in custody. If individual is accepted into the program, following their release a complete assessment, housing stability plan and goals are set. Program also has availability to assist "left behind families" when primary wage earner is in custody. This program provides housing assistance, life skill classes and case management is a vital part of this program. Funding is provided by a contract with Benton and Franklin Counties.
ADULT LITERACY
The Literacy program is designed for English-speaking adults whose ability to read, write and solve basic math is limited. Students meet individually with trained tutors at BFCAC’s training center where their goals are established. Tutoring services are available throughout the day. GED pre and post testing services are also available with the objectives to help students further develop their skills, knowledge and potential and obtain a GED Certificate.
EMERGENT SERVICES
Information Referral
Information, referrals and advocacy relating to community, county and state resources, and programs are provided as needed. Assistance in completing forms and other types of paperwork is provided as needed, when appropriate and depending upon availability of staff.
Landlord Tenant Rights
Printed materials on this subject are available in the office. Limited information is provided over the telephone regarding landlord/tenant information, and referrals are made when appropriate.
Prescription Services
Limited to emergency and health sustaining prescribed medication. Maximum assistance is limited and will vary depending upon available funds.