Provides an array of funding for vital community initiatives including assistance for education, employment, emergencies, housing and health care. Community programs are intended to encourage families toward self-sufficiency.

CSBG is designed to provide a range of services to assist low-income families and individuals attain the skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.  CSBG funds and activities that have a measurable impact on the causes and conditions of poverty in our local communities throughout Natchitoches Parish.

CSBG funds provides an array of programs and services that are designed to help struggling families and individuals break down barriers and challenges to working toward economic stability.

The services offered through CSBG vary by parishes. Some examples of the services offered include the following:

• Child/Youth Services
• Education Services
• Emergency Services
• Employment Services
• Food/Nutrition Services
• Health Services
• Housing Services
• Income Management Services
• Senior Services
• Plus, Other Services

The services and programs administered by OCS help low-income residents achieve and maintain economic security, meet their home energy needs, and reduce their utility cost.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides funds to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in communities.

*View CSBG Income Eligibility Guidelines

The Parish of Natchitoches Office of Community Services (OCS) is announcing the availability of funds to help low-income households stay safe and warm in the winter by helping with home heating bills. To request an appointment for help please call (318) 357-2220 on Monday, December 4, 2023, starting at 8:30 a.m. All interested households MUST call for an appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Services are provided based on availability of funds.

Income Eligibility Limits

(2024 LIHEAP Based on 60% State Median Income)

Effective 10/01/2023 to 09/30/2024

A Supplemental food program available to low income seniors age 60 and over. Distribution takes place on the 4th Thursday of each month.

A Supplemental food program available to low income seniors age 60 and over. Distribution takes place on the 4th Thursday of each month.

Food for Seniors Program is to eliminate hunger by providing nourishment and encouragement to senior citizens. This program provides a nutritional food box filled with non-perishable goods and healthy food staples. The Food for Seniors food boxes is served to seniors who are 60 years and older and meet the federal income guidelines.

On the fourth Thursday of each month, OCS’s Food for Seniors program holds food box distribution.

All food packages contain high protein, nutrient dense foods, specially selected to ensure that clients receive proper nutrition each month.

Senior citizens receive a food box each month containing the following:

• Canned meat, either boneless chicken, beef, pork, tuna, or beef stew
• vegetables
• fruits
• a box of breakfast cereal or a bag of grits, oatmeal, or farina (Cream of Wheat)
• a two-pound block of American cheese
• a two-pound package of either spaghetti, macaroni, or rice
• Ultra-High Temperature Shelf Stable 1% Milk
• 8-pound box of non-fat dry milk every other month
• a jar of peanut butter or a two-pound bag of dried beans
• fruit juice

OCS is always accepting new registrants for the Food for Seniors program. Those interested can call 318-357-2220 to register or call for additional information.

To operate this program, Parish of Natchitoches-OCS is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Catholic Charities and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

The parish’s funding of this program has significantly reduced the fear of hunger for thousands of senior citizens by eliminating their necessity to choose between expensive, life-supporting medications or food.

Volunteers age 55 and over provide assistance to adults in their community who have difficulty with the simple tasks of day-to-day living.