The Mercer County Office for Community Centers and Childcare works with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to administer the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Program in Mercer County. Since the program's inception in 1964, Community Services Block Grant funds have been used to help low-income individuals move toward self-sufficiency. 

Funding community-based organizations to develop and maximize services and resources for low-income clients is a key step in leading residents and communities toward self-sufficiency. Eligible clients receive case management for comprehensive social service programs that include emergency food assistance; emergency rental assistance; emergency utility payment assistance; information and referral; employment services; income maintenance; health, nutrition, and general services; and youth programs. Through the Office of Community Center and Childcare's work with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, these services are provided to Mercer County residents at four centers; the County does not provide direct services to county residents through this program.

County residents must meet income-eligible guidelines as set forth by the National Association for State Community Services Programs. Usually, eligible clients can earn up to no more than 125% of the Federal Poverty Level in gross yearly wages, but the guidelines have been raised to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Services Block Grant program income guidelines for 2024 are as follows:

The contracted agencies that provide the direct Community Services Block Grant program services will screen applicants for eligibility.

For more information about the Community Services Block Grant program or the Office for Community Centers and Childcare, contact Adrienne Hart at 609-989-6964 or ahart@mercercounty.org.