Advocacy Program
When low-income people need help improving their living situations, NSCAP Advocates can help make connections to address a wide range of issues. Advocates are case managers who form the support system for the most vulnerable members of our community such as the disabled, families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless or those already homeless, the elderly, and immigrants. The program also supports the working poor, who can be considered “over income” for certain programs.
Advocates work one-on-one with clients to resolve crises, make referrals, and help clients stabilize their situations and attain and/or maintain economic self-sufficiency. Assistance that families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless may qualify for include: financial assistance with overdue rent, housing start-up monies (first, last and security), heating assistance, and assistance with past-due utility bills. We also offer disabled Medicare recipients assistance resolving health insurance-related issues.
Advocates have an in-depth understanding of the needs of the community, as well as the services offered by a wide variety of federal, state, and local service providers. We have staff who are bi-lingual and bi-cultural in Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
The Advocacy Program also administers the Representative Payee Program in conjunction with the Social Security Administration. This program assists individuals who are not able to manage their own funds by maintaining a stable financial situation for them. At this time, the program is full.
Eligibility
NSCAP's Advocacy Program primarily serves the low-income residents (as defined by federal poverty guidelines) of Peabody, Salem, Beverly or Danvers; however the department occasionally has limited funding to assist residents of other North Shore communities. Eligibility for referral programs varies based on specific funding requirements
How to Access
The Advocacy Program is located at NSCAP’s main office at 98 Main Street in Peabody.
For housing issues call 978-531-0767 ext. 150.
For utility or other issues call the front desk at 978-531-0767 ext 100.