All Are Welcome

For more than 100 years, Community Services League has helped neighbors in Eastern Jackson County and the Kansas City area find support, stability, and hope.

Our doors are open, and our services are inclusive. If you need help, we want you to feel welcome reaching out. Some programs, especially those funded through government grants or other public sources, have income, residency, or documentation requirements. Our team will work with you to understand your situation and connect you with the best available support.

Who We Help

Every day, CSL works with neighbors who need help for today and hope for tomorrow.

People come to CSL for many different reasons, including:

• Struggling to get by because of financial stress, job loss, reduced hours, illness, or other life circumstances.

• Living in unstable housing, facing eviction, or experiencing homelessness.

• Looking for food, clothing, medicine, rent assistance, utility assistance, or other immediate support.

• Wanting help with job training, employment, or building a more stable career.

• Hoping to manage money better, reduce debt, build savings, or plan for the future.

• Living with a disability and wanting support to participate more fully in work and community life.

• Working toward the dream of homeownership.

• Looking for guidance, resources, and encouragement to make life better for yourself or your family.

• Wanting to connect with a coach or trusted ally who can help you take the next step.

If you are not sure whether CSL can help, please ask. Even if we are not the right fit for your specific need, we may be able to connect you with another resource.

Do I Qualify for Help?

CSL has 12 locations across Eastern Jackson County, Missouri, including Independence, Blue Springs, Buckner, Grain Valley, and Oak Grove. We provide many basic assistance services to residents in communities where CSL has locations.

Basic assistance may include help with food, clothing, medicine, rent, utilities, or other immediate needs. These programs are often connected to specific funding sources, which may have residency, income, and documentation requirements.

CSL also offers programs that may be available to residents in nearby communities, including job skills training, employment services, financial coaching, vocational rehabilitation employment services, small-dollar loans, and other support programs.

If you live outside CSL’s basic assistance service area, our team may still be able to talk with you, help you understand your options, and connect you with a resource closer to where you live. In some cases, CSL may not be able to provide direct assistance because of program limits or funding requirements.

To learn more about specific programs, visit the Get Help section of this website or contact the CSL location nearest you.

Income Eligibility Guidelines

Some CSL programs have income requirements. The guidelines below are based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Level for 2026.

For households with more than eight people, add $710 per month, or $8,520 per year, for each additional household member.

Please note that some programs may use different income guidelines depending on the funding source.

What If I Do Not Qualify?

If you do not meet the income requirements for a CSL program, or if you live outside an area where CSL can provide direct assistance, you may still be able to find help through United Way 211.

United Way 211 is a free and confidential resource that connects people with community services across the Kansas City area. You can dial 2-1-1, call 816-474-5112, or visit 211KC.org to search for help online. United Way 211 is available 24/7 and provides access to thousands of local resources.

What Documentation Will I Need?

Many CSL programs require documents to verify eligibility. Before visiting a CSL office, please bring:

• Photo identification for all adults in the household.

• Social Security cards for everyone in the household, including children.

• A utility bill or another official piece of mail showing your current address, dated within the past 30 days.

Depending on the type of help you are requesting, you may also need to provide proof of income, such as:

• Pay stubs from the past 30 days.

• Current Social Security or SSI award letters.

• TANF award letter.

• SNAP award letter.

• Child support information.

• Pension information.

• Other sources of income.

If you are missing some documents, please contact CSL before your visit. Our team can help you understand what is needed and what options may be available.