CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More

Community/Municipal Services

    Results: 50

  • Adoption Services (3)
    PH-0300

    Adoption Services

    PH-0300

    Programs that participate in arranging permanent homes under new legal parentage for individuals whose birth parents are unable or unwilling to provide for their care. Included are programs that provide counseling and assistance for people who decide to relinquish their children for adoption or arrange for an independent adoption; which recruit, select, counsel and match suitable adoptive parents with children who have been relinquished; which assist in the adoption of stepchildren, adults or foreign-born children; which provide foster care for children who have been relinquished for adoption but not yet placed; and/or which assist people who are adopted to locate their birth parents and birth parents to locate the children they relinquished.
  • Animal Adoption (1)
    PD-7600.0100

    Animal Adoption

    PD-7600.0100

    Programs that place stray and homeless domestic pets with people who are willing to provide for their care; find homes for wild burros, horses or other animals who are being removed from their natural environment; or place retired race horses, show horses, greyhounds and other animals when their racing or show careers have come to an end. Included are websites where animals available for adoption can be listed.
  • Animal Licenses (1)
    PD-0700.0600

    Animal Licenses

    PD-0700.0600

    Programs that issue licenses for domestic animals who are subject to regulation. Annual licensing is required for dogs of a specified age (rabies certificates are usually required) and, frequently, for equines (horses, mules, ponies, donkeys, burros) who reside in some areas. Optional identification tags are available for cats and are usually valid for the lifetime of the animal. Licensing fees are usually reduced for neutered dogs or dogs who are certified by a veterinarian as being unable to reproduce; dog guides may receive permanent licenses for a very nominal fee. In many jurisdictions, special licenses may be required for people keeping exotic pets (e.g. tigers, wolves) that may require special conditions and/or pose a possible risk to the public if not properly secured.
  • Animal Rescue (1)
    PD-7600.0500

    Animal Rescue

    PD-7600.0500

    Programs that rescue domestic animals who are in hazardous situations and which may provide emergency medical care if injuries have occurred.
  • Animal Shelters (2)
    PD-7600.0600

    Animal Shelters

    PD-7600.0600

    Programs that provide protection and care for unwanted pets or stray animals, and hold them for a specified period of time to provide an opportunity for owners to claim them prior to offering them for adoption. Included are shelters that euthanize the animals if not adopted within a specified amount of time, as well as "no kill" shelters that will keep the animals until they are adopted.
  • Burial Benefits (1)
    NS-1000

    Burial Benefits

    NS-1000

    Public programs that pay a portion of the funeral expenses of individuals who qualify, i.e., persons entitled to Social Security and/or veteran benefits.
  • Child Care Centers (2)
    PH-1250.1400

    Child Care Centers

    PH-1250.1400

    Programs that are licensed to provide supervised care within designated facilities for children during some portion of a 24-hour day. Staff for approved day care centers must meet defined educational requirements; the program must ensure specified adult/child ratios; and the facility must meet building, fire and zoning codes. Services may include recreational and developmental activities and snacks and/or meals, as appropriate.
  • Day Camps (2)
    PL-6400.1500-180

    Day Camps

    PL-6400.1500-180

    Programs that provide creative recreational experiences in cooperative indoor and/or outdoor group living for children, usually age four to 13, or adults who are transported to the site each morning and who return to their homes at the end of each day. Transportation may be provided by the program or may be the responsibility of the family.
  • Election Information (1)
    TQ-1800.1600

    Election Information

    TQ-1800.1600

    Programs that publish and/or distribute voter information guides, sample ballots and other materials that provide information regarding the positions of rival candidates in an election, summaries of the pros and cons of specific ballot measures (including potential costs to taxpayers and arguments for and against individual measures prepared by proponents and opponents), rules for same day voter registration and general information about precinct boundaries, the location and hours of polling places, early voting options, secured vote by mail ballot drop-off locations (where available), as well as other details regarding the content or the mechanics of the election.
  • Errand Running/Shopping Assistance (1)
    PH-3300.1800

    Errand Running/Shopping Assistance

    PH-3300.1800

    Programs that offer the services of individuals who are available to make short trips to purchase groceries, pick up prescriptions, withdraw or deposit money in the bank, drop off or retrieve laundry and do other small tasks for older adults, people with disabilities and other individuals who cannot leave their homes or are otherwise unable or prefer not to perform these tasks for themselves.
  • Expectant/New Parent Assistance (1)
    PH-6100.1800

    Expectant/New Parent Assistance

    PH-6100.1800

    Programs that provide educational and supportive services for new parents or those expecting a child, to prepare them on an emotional and practical level for the impact the newborn will have on their lives and relationships. Initial focus areas include healthy eating for the mother, danger signs in pregnancy, sibling preparation and being ready for labor and delivery, followed by practical information on basic infant care, newborn behaviors, baby supplies, bathing techniques, diapering, breastfeeding and other feeding options, as well as infant and childhood illnesses. Later topics may include walking, talking, toilet training and other aspects of child development, all to help ensure that infants and toddlers are nurtured, live in a safe environment and receive proper health care. Included are programs open to all as well those targeting special populations such as low income individuals or teenagers.
  • Extended Child Care (2)
    PH-1250.1800

    Extended Child Care

    PH-1250.1800

    Child care centers, family child care homes, schools and recreation centers that provide supervised care for school-age children prior to the beginning and/or following the end of the school day, on school holidays and teacher work/conference days, during school breaks and, in some cases, during the summer when school is not in session in situation where their parents are working or otherwise engaged. While some extended day care programs provide a variety of activities for children in the program, they are not designed to provide specialty instruction such as art or music lessons, or organized sports.
  • Family Based Services (4)
    PH-2360

    Family Based Services

    PH-2360

    Programs that provide a wide variety of social services that are designed to support healthy family development, improve the family's ability to resolve problems (such as poverty, unemployment, ill health, homelessness, substandard housing, educational difficulties, substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy, delinquency and physical and developmental problems) and prevent the need for unnecessary placement of children in foster care, group homes, inpatient substance abuse or mental health treatment programs, residential training schools or other alternative environments when family problems reach crisis proportions. Services may include home visiting services that focus on public health issues (especially prenatal), mental health and substance abuse counseling, home management instruction, success in a child care setting, parenting skills development, stress management, tutoring, pregnancy awareness and AIDS awareness; may be available to the community at large, to families at risk for dissolution or those currently in crisis; and may be offered by a single agency or a coalition of agencies that have agreed to provide services according to a coordinated case plan.
  • Family Support Centers/Outreach (1)
    PH-2360.2400

    Family Support Centers/Outreach

    PH-2360.2400

    Programs that provide a wide variety of social services that are designed to support the healthy development of families, improve family interaction skills and help fragile families to resolve their problems at a pre-crisis stage before they become unmanageable. Services may be center-based or provided on an outreach basis to families who are initially reluctant to seek support and generally target the specific needs of a particular community. Included may be self-sufficiency programs which help families break the cycle of poverty by addressing the barriers to self-sufficiency; early child development and school success programs; programs which address the needs of teen parents; programs which target parents at risk for becoming abusive; programs for families with children who have special developmental needs and programs that focus on the maternal and child health care needs of first-time, expectant women whose babies are at high risk for low birth weight and infant mortality.
  • Fishing Licenses (1)
    DF-7000.2200

    Fishing Licenses

    DF-7000.2200

    Programs that issue permits that provide written authorization for individuals to take fish from public waters during approved fishing seasons.
  • Foster Home Placement (4)
    PH-2400.1900

    Foster Home Placement

    PH-2400.1900

    Programs that link individuals who are in need of alternative living arrangements with appropriate private family homes that are licensed to provide foster care. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and, in some situations, licensing is not required at all. Programs that provide placement services for children and adults with disabilities are generally also responsible for recruiting, training, certifying and monitoring placements in family homes and for providing support for the family and the individual(s) with disabilities who live with them.
  • Friendly Visiting (1)
    PH-1400.1900-230

    Friendly Visiting

    PH-1400.1900-230

    Programs that use "friendly visitors" (usually volunteers but also paid hourly companions) to call on people who are hospitalized or in another institutional setting, who are homebound or socially isolated due to disability or old age, or otherwise lack companionship with the objective of brightening their day and helping them to maintain contact with the outside world by reading, talking, listening, writing letters or performing other similar tasks.
  • Holiday Gifts/Toys (3)
    PH-2950.3200

    Holiday Gifts/Toys

    PH-2950.3200

    Programs, generally supported by donations from the community, that provide gifts such as clothing, toys and other items to help low income individuals and families, older adults, hospital patients and others celebrate any of the annual holidays.
  • Home Maintenance and Minor Repair Services (2)
    PH-3300.2750

    Home Maintenance and Minor Repair Services

    PH-3300.2750

    Programs that provide assistance for people who need to do routine maintenance on their homes or make minor repairs.
  • Hunting Licenses (1)
    DF-7000.3000

    Hunting Licenses

    DF-7000.3000

    Programs that issue permits that provide written authorization for individuals to pursue, shoot, kill, capture, trap, snare or net game birds, game fowl or game animals during approved hunting seasons. Included are licenses for archery hunting using a bow and arrow; hunting with muzzle loading firearms, rifles, shotguns or handguns; crossbow hunting (which may be illegal in some jurisdictions); and trapping game using traps, deadfalls or other devices. Hunting license requirements vary from state to state and may include provisions for completion of hunting/trapping safety courses.
  • Land Deeds/Titles (1)
    DF-7000.8350-450

    Land Deeds/Titles

    DF-7000.8350-450

    Programs that issue, maintain on file, retrieve and, where appropriate, provide access to the official document that transfers ownership of land from one individual to another or which otherwise provides evidence of the individual's entitlement to the property.
  • LGBTQ2+ Community Centers (1)
    TC-5500.4000

    LGBTQ2+ Community Centers

    TC-5500.4000

    Multipurpose centers that serve as a meeting place for people who identify as part of the gender and sexually expansive community that includes people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or two-spirit, to grow together, celebrate diversity and increase public understanding. The centers may offer community events, educational programs, counseling, support groups, library resources, recreational programs and other services that support LGBTQ2+ individuals and organizations.
  • Libraries (11)
    TJ-4400

    Libraries

    TJ-4400

    Facilities which house a collection of materials including books, manuscripts, journals, government documents and nonprint formats such as paintings, musical recordings, videotapes, films and data files on magnetic tape which are organized to provide physical, bibliographic and intellectual access to a targeted group of people and which generally make available staff to provide services and programs related to the information needs of the targeted group.
  • Library Services (1)
    TJ-4500

    Library Services

    TJ-4500

    Libraries and other facilities that offer a range of activities and services which are designed to meet the information and learning needs of patrons and to facilitate their enjoyment of library resources. Included are reference services, programs which introduce and encourage reading, services which enable people who cannot access the facility to utilize library resources and special collections which provide access to a broad spectrum of general and specialized book and nonbook material as well as reading material in alternative formats.
  • Local Officials Offices (4)
    TD-6600.4500

    Local Officials Offices

    TD-6600.4500

    The offices of individuals who have been appointed or elected to a town, city, county or other local public office for a specified tenure and who are thereby in a position to exercise that portion of the sovereign functions of government that are conferred on that office. Forty-eight of the 50 states have operational county governments. Connecticut and Rhode Island are divided into geographic regions called counties, but they do not have functioning governments. Alaska calls its counties boroughs and Louisiana calls them parishes. Cities and towns may also have other designations including townships, boroughs and villages.
  • Low Cost Building Materials/Supplies (1)
    BH-3000.4600

    Low Cost Building Materials/Supplies

    BH-3000.4600

    Programs that provide access to building materials at below market costs. In many cases, the materials have been recovered from obsolete buildings by building deconstruction programs and made available for reuse by communities as an alternative to purchasing new materials.
  • Marriage Licenses (1)
    DF-7000.5000

    Marriage Licenses

    DF-7000.5000

    Programs that issue permits, which are usually addressed to the minister or magistrate who is going to perform the ceremony, that provide written authorization for two people to marry. Also included are programs that maintain copies of marriage licenses and make copies available upon request.
  • Mentoring Programs (2)
    PH-1400.5000

    Mentoring Programs

    PH-1400.5000

    Programs that provide companionship, guidance and/or role models for individuals who are disadvantaged because of age, income, physical or developmental disabilities or family environment.
  • Natural Gas Service Shutoff Suspension Programs (1)
    BV-8950.6000-620

    Natural Gas Service Shutoff Suspension Programs

    BV-8950.6000-620

    Natural gas utility companies that halt the practice of shutting off gas service to customers as a penalty for overdue bills and temporarily restore gas services to households whose service has been suspended, usually at the request of government officials and leaders when members of the public are being asked to remain in their homes due to public health concerns.
  • Parenting Helplines (1)
    PH-6100.6600

    Parenting Helplines

    PH-6100.6600

    Programs that operate a telephone counseling and information line that parents can call when they have childhood development questions, need advice regarding a specific parenting problem or need a referral for parenting resources.
  • Parenting Skills Classes (1)
    PH-6100.6800

    Parenting Skills Classes

    PH-6100.6800

    Programs that teach skills that enable parents to deal constructively and consistently with a broad spectrum of child rearing problems which may include sibling rivalry; school behavior and performance; poor self-esteem; shyness; drug use; sexual promiscuity; and the whole range of negative, acting-out behaviors including whining, temper tantrums, disobedience, insolence and destructiveness. Some parenting skills development programs utilize a step-by-step approach for managing specific problems and may incorporate application at home of techniques that were discussed and practiced in the classroom setting. Other programs may offer participatory family workshops which provide opportunities for parents and children to learn and practice methods for dealing with one another under the guidance of a trained facilitator. Most training programs teach the parent a particular way of talking and relating to their children that reinforces positive behaviors and communication and decreases negative behaviors while supporting the development of a relationship that is built on fairness, mutual caring and respect.
  • Passports (1)
    DF-7000.6650

    Passports

    DF-7000.6650

    Public sector offices known as passport acceptance facilities that have been authorized by the U.S. Department of State to accept and verify the documents, applicant signatures and identity for passport applications; place all of the documents and required photos into a specially sealed, tamperproof envelope that may only be opened by State Department officials; and forward them for processing. This is required for ALL passport applicants for a new adult passport, child (minor) passport, or lost, stolen or damaged passport applications. Most passport acceptance facilities are found in local post offices, county clerk's offices and some library locations. Passports are official documents which identify citizens, serve as written authorization from government authorities for citizens to travel abroad and, in effect, request foreign powers to allow bearers to enter and pass freely and safely. U.S. passports can be renewed by mail provided that the old passport was issued within the last 15 years, that the individual was age 16 or older at the time, and that, if applicable, proof of name change is provided. The old valid passport, a color passport photo, a completed DS-82 form and a check or money order for the fee must be submitted.
  • Personal Care (4)
    PH-3300.6500

    Personal Care

    PH-3300.6500

    Programs that offer the services of paraprofessional aides who provide assistance with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming and mouth care), clothing care, ambulation, seating, toileting, housekeeping (changing bed linens or other chores that are essential to the individual's health and comfort), food preparation and nutritional and environmental support for recently discharged hospital patients, elderly people and people with disabilities in their own homes or other settings. Personal care may also include supervision which involves cueing, reminding, prompting or directing daily activities, as needed, but does not include medical services.
  • Pet Care Services (1)
    PD-6250

    Pet Care Services

    PD-6250

    Programs that provide pet-related supplies or services which enable pet owners to acquire a pet and/or take care of their pet's needs.
  • Physical Fitness (1)
    PL-6600

    Physical Fitness

    PL-6600

    Programs that provide activities for people who want to improve their strength, flexibility, endurance, muscle tone, reflexes, cardiovascular health and/or other aspects of physical functioning.
  • Property Tax Information (1)
    DT-8700.6500

    Property Tax Information

    DT-8700.6500

    Programs that provide information and guidance for people who need to understand the property tax laws as they relate to individuals in their situation. Most states have provisions for property tax relief, but they vary widely in form. Some jurisdictions levy the tax and provide a true refund of all or a portion of the paid tax; some exempt the property altogether; some defer the property tax until after the death of the owner and then recoup the tax from the proceeds of the sale of the property; some have a blanket exemption in which all property owners over the age of 65 are exempt from all property taxes regardless of income; and some allow a tax credit to be applied toward the income tax for qualified property owners. In the latter situation, individuals not paying income tax may receive a refund of the property tax credit amount or no refund at all, depending on the tax laws of the jurisdiction. Most states determine eligibility for property tax relief by looking at combinations of age, income, disability and veteran status.
  • Public Access Computers/Tools (1)
    TJ-1800.6650

    Public Access Computers/Tools

    TJ-1800.6650

    Programs that make computers, printers and other electronic equipment available for public use, primarily for word processing, spread sheets and other document development applications. Public access computers can be found in libraries, schools, government buildings, science labs and research centers. Some companies such as Mail Boxes Etc. provide computers the public can use for an hourly fee.
  • Public Internet Access Sites (1)
    TJ-1800.6700

    Public Internet Access Sites

    TJ-1800.6700

    Programs, often offered by libraries, cyber cafes, and a variety of other government, nonprofit or proprietary organizations, that provide on-site Internet-enabled computers for public access.
  • Recreation Centers (1)
    PL-6400.7000-700

    Recreation Centers

    PL-6400.7000-700

    Centers, often operated by the local community department of parks and recreation, that offer, at a single location, a variety of recreational facilities such as athletic fields and courts, a gymnasium, a swimming pool and locker facilities. Recreation centers usually offer an organized program of activities for community residents of all ages and provide all necessary equipment.
  • Scouting Programs (1)
    PS-9800.8500

    Scouting Programs

    PS-9800.8500

    Programs that provide opportunities for children and youth to develop individual and group initiative and responsibility, self-reliance, courage, personal fitness, discipline and other desirable qualities of character through participation in a wide range of organized recreational, educational and civic activities under the leadership of qualified adult volunteers. Troop members work on developing their skills in camping, swimming, citizenship, communication, conservation, cooking, community living, first aid and a wide variety of other areas, and usually earn merit badges when they have demonstrated mastery of the skills that are required for a particular activity.
  • Summer Camps (1)
    PL-6400.1500-820

    Summer Camps

    PL-6400.1500-820

    Residential or day camp facilities where care and recreational activities are provided for children during the summer vacation period.
  • Supervised Living for Older Youth (1)
    PH-6300.8000

    Supervised Living for Older Youth

    PH-6300.8000

    Programs that help older children in foster care, emancipated youth who are no longer eligible for foster care and/or other youth, usually to age 21, establish residence in private homes, apartments, boarding homes, college dormitories or other residential settings and provide supervision and support while they develop independent living skills.
  • Unemployment Insurance Benefits Assistance (1)
    FT-1000.8900

    Unemployment Insurance Benefits Assistance

    FT-1000.8900

    Programs that provide assistance for people who are having difficulty understanding and/or obtaining the full benefits to which they are entitled by law through their state Unemployment Insurance program. The programs may help people understand the eligibility criteria for unemployment insurance benefits, the benefits provided by the program, and the rights of beneficiaries; provide consultation and advice; help them complete unemployment application forms; negotiate on their behalf with unemployment insurance benefits staff; prepare a written appeal; and/or represent them in administrative hearings or judicial litigation. Included are organizations that offer a range of advocacy services as well as legal aid programs which offer more formalized legal assistance.
  • Volunteer Opportunities (8)
    PX

    Volunteer Opportunities

    PX

    Community organizations that are actively seeking individuals with the requisite knowledge, skills and experience who are willing to offer their services and work on a full or part-time basis without remuneration on projects or in positions that benefit the organization itself or the people it serves. Many agencies that provide volunteer opportunities also offer intensive training in the tasks that are required for the job.
  • Voter Registration Offices (1)
    TQ-1800.9000

    Voter Registration Offices

    TQ-1800.9000

    Government offices that provide copies of voter registration applications and maintain official records of individuals who have exercised their right to participate in the election process by registering to vote. Included are the local Registrar of Voters offices and other government offices through which people can obtain and file their registration forms; and offices that are responsible for managing online voter registration. In order to qualify, people must be citizens; age 18 or older; and residents of the state, county/municipal district or precinct for at least 30 days. People are required to re-register if they change their names, their addresses or their party affiliations.
  • Water Heaters (1)
    BM-3000.0500-970

    Water Heaters

    BM-3000.0500-970

    Programs that pay for or provide new or reconditioned water heaters. Water heaters generally include a heating device and a tank for storing hot water, though some water heaters are tankless.
  • Y Facilities (3)
    PS-9800.9650

    Y Facilities

    PS-9800.9650

    Programs that provide for the spiritual, social, mental and physical development of children and youth and their families through a broad-based program which includes classes, recreational activities, fitness programs, leadership development opportunities, camping, youth clubs, parent-child programs, youth employment support services, cross-cultural exchange programs, community involvement opportunities and a variety of other activities that give participants a chance to develop a wide range of interpersonal relationships, strengthen family ties and to achieve a satisfying degree of personal growth.
  • Yard Maintenance (1)
    PH-3300.9750

    Yard Maintenance

    PH-3300.9750

    Programs that pay for or provide services that help homeowners and renters care for the lawns, plants and trees and associated structures on their property.
  • Youth Community Service Programs (1)
    PS-9800.9800

    Youth Community Service Programs

    PS-9800.9800

    Programs that provide opportunities for students and/or school-age children and youth to make a contribution to their local community through volunteer service projects or other forms of assistance. The purpose of the program is to develop leadership skills and good citizenship practices in youngsters who are interested in service to others.
  • Youth Enrichment Programs (2)
    PS-9800.9900

    Youth Enrichment Programs

    PS-9800.9900

    Programs that offer a wide variety of activities including arts and crafts, academic programs, sports, reading clubs, workshops and other recreational, leisure, cultural, social and civic activities for school-age children and youth in out-of-school hours. The objective of youth enrichment programs is to promote healthy social interaction and help participants maximize their social, emotional, physical and academic potential.