What We Do

Our goal is to help people be economically independent. To do this, we combine local, state and federal resources to increase their knowledge, skills, and motivation to reach self-sufficiency.

Without your support, none of these programs would be possible.

Assistive Equipment Program

The Assistive Equipment Program receives donated assistive equipment such as walkers, shower chairs, canes, grab bars, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. These items are available free to anyone who may need them and cannot afford to buy new equipment.

Backpacks for Kids

Backpacks for Kids was developed in 2006 to address the need for food for children identified as being homeless. Children identified as being homeless are defined as children who are living in overcrowded housing, staying with family or friends, staying in hotels/shelters, or sleeping in vehicles.

"Kid-friendly" foods such as cereal, granola/yogurt bars, fruit cups, applesauce, pudding, canned dinners, peanut butter, jelly and bread are given to the kids. The food packs are delivered to the schools on every other week. The school distributes them to children in need. Community Action works together with the schools to determine who is in need.

CDBG Accessibility Assistance

The CDBG Accessibility Assistance Program receives funding from the City of Bismarck and through Community Action Program helps income eligible households with a disabled family member to resolve accessibility and home repair issues in their homes. With these funds we help with things such as constructing wheelchair ramps, installation of walk-in showers, installation of grab bars, and also removing architectural barriers to make it easier to maneuver in their homes.

This program is limited to residents of Bismarck.

Clothing Closet/Donation Center

Clothing, household items, and furniture are available free of charge to eligible households. Volunteers to work in the center are utilized and needed.

The Clothing Closet is located in the CAP office and is open on Tuesday & Wednesday, 9am - 11:30am and 1pm - 3:30pm.

How You Can Help

We accept donations at our office Monday through Friday from 8am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 3:30pm. If you are donating large items (furniture, appliances, etc.) please call before coming to set up a time to drop them off.

Energy Efficiency Programs

Energy Efficiency Programs included are Weatherization, Emergency Furnace Repair/Replacement, Residential Energy Efficiency Program, Cooling Program.

The Weatherization Program provides energy conservation services to low-income homeowners and renters to make their homes more energy efficient. The program helps to increase energy efficiency and reduce heating bills by concentrating on the problems of heat loss and air infiltration. Weatherproofing repairs such as insulation, caulking, and weather-stripping are provided to income eligible households.

Emergency Furnace Repair and Replacement Program assists households with repair and replacement of unsafe heating systems. Clients must be eligible for the Fuel Assistance Program and may be required to make a co-payment.

Cooling Assistance helps those who require a cooled space in their home during the summer months. A medical verification is required and the household must meet income guidelines. Equipment purchased for the house from local suppliers can be a window air conditioner, ceiling fan, or repairing the existing cooling equipment. Electrical upgrading of the house for cooling equipment to run properly is also eligible. 

 

Energy Share

Energy Share is a cooperative effort of Community Action Agencies in North Dakota, utility companies, and private donors to help eligible households prevent electrical shutoffs. Assistance is provided to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) eligible households to prevent electrical shutoffs when the situation has been deemed an emergency.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must be approved for LIHEAP Fuel Assistance through their county Social Services.
  • The heating bill must be in the applicants name.
  • The address for the fuel assistance and for the heating bill must be the same.

Client-Intake-Form-Back-4.13-revised-2019Application Process

See the cover letter for information on submitting an application. You must submit:

Food Pantry

The Community Action Food Pantry provides food baskets to income qualified clients and families in need. A bread shelf is also available throughout the week. These programs are located at the Community Action office and are based on income eligibility.

The Food Pantry is stocked primarily through donations. Food baskets are generally filled with enough food to last approximately 4 - 7 days, depending on our funding and donations received.

How You Can Help

The Community Action Food Pantry accepts donations of food to keep the pantry filled. We accept both perishable and non-perishable food. Meat donations are accepted provided they are packaged through a licensed meat processor. Donations can be dropped off at our office 8am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 3:30pm. All donations are tax-deductible.

Food Pantry Intake Packet

Helping Hands

The Helping Hands Program funds received through the ND Housing Finance Agency are for the purpose of supporting new or existing single or multi-family rehabilitation programs. Community Action Program uses these funds for a number of things including emergency repairs, handicap accessibility, and to support our other rehab programs.

ND Rent Help

Community Action Agencies across North Dakota can help you apply for ND Rent Help. The program can provide up to 12 months of temporary rental assistance and other housing supports to those who qualify.  At all of our locations, we have both Application Counselors and Housing Facilitators that can provide help throughout the process.  Please call your local Community Action Agency if you need help with ND Rent!

 

The ND Rent Help Program will provide rent payments to housing providers on behalf of low and moderate income households, including payment of rent, arrears and future rent.

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Renter households with incomes no more than 80% of area median income;

2. One or more individuals in the household has qualified or unemployment benefits or has experienced a reeducation in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly tot he coronavirus outbreak; AND

3. One or more individuals in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include:

a. a past due utility or rent arrears notice or an eviction notice;

b. unsafe or unhealthy living conditions; or

c. any other evidence of such risk as determined by the State.

4. Households with incomes of no more than 50% AMI and in which one or more household members is unemployed and has been unemployed for 90 days will be prioritized.

Past Due Rental Assistance

Income eligible individuals who have an eviction notice due to non-payment of rent may be assisted with up to one month’s rent to stop the eviction and avoid becoming homeless. Assistance is based on availability of grant funds.

Security Deposit Assistance

Income eligible individuals may be assisted with a security deposit to obtain safe and adequate housing. Assistance is based on availability of grant funds.

Self-Reliance Program

This program is designed to help individuals and families become economically self-sufficient. A case manager assists program participants on a one- to-one basis in setting goals and achieving them through:

  • Identifying and resolving problems  
  • Identifying community resources  
  • Exploring educational and employment opportunities 
  • Building and improving self-confidence.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF)

Assists homeless Veterans or those at risk of becoming homeless in securing safe and stable housing. Services may include: Case Management, help applying for VA benefits, financial assistance with housing, and help connecting with other community resources.

Tri-State HELP

Tri-State HELP (Housing Environment for Living Positively) HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids) is a needs-based program for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families who live in North Dakota, Montana or South Dakota and need housing assistance and/or related services.

The goals of the program are to provide a stable housing environment and provide access to services such as medical care and recovery and counseling programs.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program was created by the FCC to help ensure households can afford the broadband they need for school, work, and more.

The benefit provides:

  • Up to $30/month discount for internet service;  
  • Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider.
                                                                                                                                              Funding was provided by the FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau.