OCS Programs
The Office of Community Services (OCS) partners with states, tribes, territories, and non-profit and community-based organizations to reduce the causes and consequences of poverty, increase opportunity and economic security of individuals and families, and revitalize communities. Our social service and community development programs work in a variety of ways to improve the lives of many.
Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration (AHSSD)
AHSSD strengthens supportive services for residents of affordable housing to build individual and family safety, stability, and economic mobility.
Community Economic Development
(CED)
CED funds well planned, financially viable, business development projects that create jobs and build economies in communities across the country.
Community Services Block Grant
(CSBG)
CSBG funds states and local organizations to deploy local solutions that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty.
Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP)
DDDRP expands existing networks to connect caregivers with diapers for their children and support services that increase economic mobility.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps keep families safe and healthy by helping households with low incomes lower their energy costs.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
LIHWAP helps families keep the water on by helping households with low incomes lower their water and wastewater bills.
Medical-Legal Partnerships Plus
(MLP+)
MLP+ supports medical-legal partnerships to expand and strengthen legal services and wraparound social services for people with low incomes.
Rural Community Development
(RCD)
RCD funds regional and tribal organizations to help rural communities build and manage safe and sustainable water and wastewater systems.
Social Services Block Grant
(SSBG)
SSBG supports a wide range of social services for people in vulnerable situations, including older adults, youth, and people with disabilities.
Need Help?
OCS administers a multitude of social service and community development programs to alleviate the causes and consequences of poverty and improve the lives of children, individuals, and families with low incomes. If you are a community organization, a tribal entity, or individual, learn how you can get help with energy and water bill assistance, disaster relief, diaper assistance, job training, medical-legal assistance, and much more.
Featured Spotlight Videos
OCS Disaster Flexibilities Hub
OCS' block grant funding has built in flexibility to support grant recipients in disaster response. The OCS Disaster Flexibilities Hub provides a one-stop shop for all the information you need to help you and your organization start to prepare for or respond to a disaster using OCS funding.
LIHEAP Heating Season Toolkit
A quarter of households spend more than 50% of their income on heating needs. The LIHEAP Heating Season Toolkit includes updated resources, translated in multiple languages, for individuals and OCS grant recipients to help millions of families stay warm this winter.