What do you do here? We are a non-profit agency that helps families regain self sufficiency. We assist in a variety of programs, including financial assistance, food stamp applications, HEAP, food pantry service, weatherization, referrals to DSS, domestic violence referrals, health insurance referrals, etc.

Can I apply for food stamps here? Yes absolutely, we just need documentation for the family household, and we can set up an appointment for you to come in and complete an online application.

Can I get temporary assistance here instead of going to DSS? We can assist you in the filling out of the application, however, you must visit your local Department of Social Services to have the process completed.

Can you help me get health insurance? We have several representatives that come into the agency to assist people in acquiring health insurance. We are happy to give you the proper information so that you can contact them.

Do you know where I can get food at a food pantry? We have food pantries in three of the four sites in Dutchess County. We will also be glad to refer you to the other local food pantries in the area.

How often can I access the food pantry?
You can access the food pantry once every 30 days.

How much food is given during a food pantry appointment?
The food pantry supplies 3 days worth of food for each member of the household.

When can I access the food pantry?
The food pantry is open during business hours.

What is the Angel Food Ministries Program?  Angel Food Ministries is a non-prifit organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The menu changes on a monthly basis, and It can be paid with cash, credit cards and food stamps. On-line orders are accepted www.angelfoodministries.com or you can stop at any one of CAP sites and place an order.

Can you help me with my prescriptions? We have a variety of financial assistance programs, some which could help fund prescriptions on a one time basis. You may contact the agency to ask any questions you may have.

Does Community Action serve all the counties or just Dutchess? There are several Community Action agencies throughout New York State. Each county has their own community action agency that serves them on a general basis. Go to: nyscaaonline.org to get a complete list of Cap agencies in your county.

I am homeless can you help? You may absolutely come on in, and we get help to find you some solutions to getting a roof over your head. We will work along side you to help find housing that will be safe, affordable, and other agencies may help you as well.

I’m about to get evicted, do you help with rent? We have financial assistance programs that may be able to help you. You would need to set up an appointment to come in for a screening and see if you are eligible for the assistance. We may also refer you to other agencies.

How do I get HEAP? HEAP runs from November through May. There are applications available here, and also at your local DSS. We can help you fill out the application and submit it. This program is also income eligible, and if you are already getting services through DSS, you will automatically be eligible for HEAP.

What’s POP? The Powerful Opportunity Program is through Central Hudson and is available to income eligible clients. This helps them reduce their utility bill by a great deal.

Do you work with the Salvation Army? We don’t work directly with the Salvation Army, however, we do communicate with them to assist clients with The Good Neighbor Fund, as well as clothing and food.

Can you help me sign up for SSI/SSD? Absolutely! We can help you apply online with proper information and documentation.

Can you help me sign up for unemployment? Yes we can. Call and make an appointment at any one of our site locations. We will assist you with filling out your application on-line as well make sure you have all your necessary documentation.

Can you send faxes for me? We can send faxes for clients when faxing to another agency or a client who needs to fax for employment purposes..

Can you transport people to appointments? If you are a client who is enrolled in one of our programs, we will help you look for transportation options as well as on a needed basis. If you have Medicaid, we can call and set you up with Medical Transport through DSS.

How can I get Medicaid? We have representatives that come in from health insurance companies to assist the clients in setting up Medicaid and Medicare. Or you are welcome to visit the local DSS.

Is there anyone who speaks Spanish? We have a client advocate at almost every site that speaks Spanish so that it minimizes the communication barrier between clients and advocates.

How can I get the LOOP bus? The local DSS office will assist you in finding out if you are eligible for the free LOOP bus passes, or we can go online for you and get the information you will need to find out for yourself.

Do you help with bus passes? We can work through DSS to set you up with passes, but it is based on income eligibility.

Can I do community service here? You would need to speak with our Director of Programs to find out what community service opportunities there are at this time.

Do you need volunteers here? There are lots of ways to give back to the community here at Community Action. We have a great program for seniors, and there is also the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, for mentoring children in Dutchess County.

Do you help with domestic violence? We can make referrals to domestic violence shelters to help you stay safe.

Can you help with fixing my house? We have an amazing weatherization program and crew that could help you out if you are income eligible.

I am elderly; do you help with snow/ice removal? No we are unable to provide this type of service however, we can make referrals and phone calls to see that you may be able to get some help with this.

What services does DCCAP offer?

As an agency we can help residents of Dutchess County in many ways. First step is to make an appointment to meet with one of our client advocates who can assist with:

• Completing DSS applications and explaining procedures
• Financial assistance toward payments on utility bills, existing mortgage/rent costs, 1st month’s rent for new place, unpaid medical bills or even school supplies/clothes
• Extra helping menu option for low cost meats, cheese and produce
• Free tax preparation during tax season
• Direct link to HEAP/HERR/Weatherization

What is NedCorps?
NedCorps is a funded through Berkshire Taconic Resources that provides services to North East Dutchess Rural community residents in Amenia, Clinton, Dover Plains, Millbrook, Millerton, Pine Plains, Stanfordville and Wingdale NY with:
 

• Mobile Advocates that come to the above mentioned communities once a week to provide one on one assistance with DSS applications and procedures, food, clothing, financial assistance for medical and household obligations
• Transportation to medical appoints or DSS appointments
• Bilingual translation for Spanish speaking clients