And just like that, CSBG is beginning a new program year filled with plans to support our communities! Through analyzation of the SFY26 Community Needs Assessment responses, housing and employment remain the primary concerns for households. CSBG continues to work hand in hand with all agency programs and community partners to help meet these needs of the communities. In the 2026 fiscal year, Central Kentucky Community Action Council was able to help assist at least 10,151 individuals and provided 31,315 recorded services.
Since April, the CSBG area has hired several new staff members in the county offices, including Larue, Marion, Meade, and has hired an Assistant Director of Community Services/HEAP. We are actively in the process of filling the Hardin County Coordinator role as well. This staff turnover has been challenging but has helped provide an opportunity to re-evaluate CSBG procedures for better community service.
It’s summer in Kentucky, and that means high temperatures and high energy costs. While official dates have not been released, there is anticipation for a LIHEAP Subsidy component before the winter. Some key information about LIHEAP and what a household needs to apply are:
A LIHEAP Subsidy assists families by offering eligible households a future credit on their utility bill. Cooling subsidies are for electric services only, while heating subsidies may help with metered and non-metered heating credits. Since subsidy is a credit program, it is important to pay the full amount of the bill until the credit is received by your utility company and applied to your account. For Subsidy, a past due and/or disconnect notice is NOT required.
Eligible households must be within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and willing to provide supporting documentation:
• Address Verification, such as a metered utility bill, unopened legal piece of first-class mail confirming the name and address, etc.
• Proof of Gross Household Income for the preceding month (award letter, pay stubs, etc.)
• Photo ID for the applicant and Social Security Card(s) or official documentation with social security numbers or Permanent Resident card numbers for everyone living in the household
• Most recent metered utility (electric) bill or verification from landlord that cooling expenses are included in the rent (i.e. lease agreements)
All LIHEAP components are limited to funding allotments and funds may run out before the projected end day of a season. Once the program’s dates have been announced, please gather your items and schedule an appointment with your local CSBG office to apply.
