Self-Sufficiency

The Self Sufficiency Program at SENDCAA is comprised of a variety of services all designed to improve the standard of living and help promote the self-sufficiency of low-income individuals. These services include:

Self Reliance Case Management Program
Individuals work one-on-one with a case manager who will help them to decide what they want to do with their lives, plan a way to obtain their goals, and find the community resources available to help them achieve those goals. Common areas of assistance include:

Energy Share
Emergency Assistance designed to assist qualifying households to pay their past due light bill in the event of a financial crisis. Assistance is only provided when all other resources have been exhausted and a past due or disconnect notice has been sent from a utility company.

Energy Share Applicants must:

• Qualify for the Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) program, or be deemed eligible for Emergency Fuel Assistance
• Must pay their own electricity and heat
• Home must be heated non-electrically or have electricity as a secondary heat source.

Project Help
When funding is available Project Help dollars help households with past due rent or utility, first month’s rent, and deposits for families with children. Families must show they have resolved the issue that caused the hardship. Money is limited and is not available all year round. If assistance is needed it is best to call ahead to see if funding is available.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program/Emergency Shelter Program
These programs are not exclusive to families. Assistance can be provided on past due rent, first month’s rent, and utility bills. Funding is limited and not available all year round.

HUD Housing Counseling
Provides information about low-income housing programs and counseling services for mortgage default, rental delinquency, pre-purchase, pre-rental agreements, and reverse equity conversion mortgages. Available to all homeowners/renters regardless of income level.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program
This program distributes commodity foods to low income elderly households and families not eligible for WIC. The commodities are non-perishable food items that include fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, beans, pasta, etc. Participants receive one box and one bag of food every other month. To qualify individuals must be 60 years of age or older and be income eligible. Families with children up to 6 years of age who are not eligible for WIC may also qualify if their income falls within the guidelines.

HIV Prevention and Care Program
SENDCAA provides a number of both financial and supportive services through our HIV Prevention Program.  The financial services include Tri-State Help, in which eligible clients are assisted with obtaining affordable housing.  Also, we have ND Cares/Ryan White, that involves helping HIV+ individuals access healthcare and other services.  Supportive services include HIV counseling and testing (including free, non-invasive testing and safer sex supplies and information).  We also provide Prevention Case Management services that involve risk reduction counseling and assisting with establishing connections with other resources in their community.  Please view SENDCAA's HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care website.