54-44.5-01. Definitions

54-44.5-01. Definitions In this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires: 1. "Community action agency" means a not-for-profit corporation that has authority under its charter and bylaws to receive funds to administer community action programs and which was officially designated as a community action agency or a community action program under section 210 of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 [Pub. L. 88-452; 78 Stat. 508; 42 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.] or any federal law concerning a block grant program or other appropriate federal funding of social or community services, unless the community action agency or a community action program lost its designation as a result of failure to comply with the provisions of federal law. 2. "Community action program" means a community-based and operated program that includes an intake assessment and referral capability in each of its counties and is designed to include a number of projects or components to provide a range of services and activities having a measurable and potentially major impact on causes and conditions of poverty in the community or those areas of the community where poverty is a particularly acute problem. These services and activities may include activities designed to provide opportunities for eligible persons to: a. Secure and retain meaningful employment; b. Attain an adequate education; c. Make better use of available income; d. Obtain and maintain adequate housing and suitable living environment; e. Obtain emergency assistance through grants and loans to meet immediate and urgent individual and family needs, including the need for health services, nutritious food, housing, and employment-related assistance; f. Maximize the role community action agencies play in supportive mechanisms available to North Dakota families; g. Remove obstacles and solve problems that block achievement of self-sufficiency; h. Achieve greater participation in the affairs of the community; i. Make more effective use of other programs; and j. Engage in activities eligible for federal funding, including funding through a block grant for social or community services. 3. "Department" means the department of commerce. 4. "Director" means the director of the division. 5. "Division" means the department division of community services.