Income threshold increases for OACAC program

Springfield-based Ozarks Area Community Action Corp. expects to serve more people with an income threshold increase.

Starting July 1, the OACAC Community Services Block Grant Program can serve households with an income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level, up from 125% previously, according to a news release. OACAC is among 19 community action agencies in Missouri impacted by the change.

OACAC operates 10 CSBG neighborhood centers in each of the counties where it serves. At the centers, people can receive services such as case management, life skills classes and emergency assistance. OACAC gave the example of a family of two, who can now receive CSBG services with an income of up to $49,280, compared with $30,800 previously.

“This change is going to be huge for our community,” said Bridgette Allen, OACAC CSBG assistant director, in the release. "So many of our community members run into the 'cliff effect' where they now make too much to use assistance but still struggle to make ends meet. This increase will better allow those folks to continue their self-sufficiency journey."

The OACAC CSBG program is funded 100% at $1.9 million with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, according to the release.