BERLIN - The cash-strapped Tri-County Community Action Program is getting some help from the Community Development Finance Authority as the agency works to continue programs to those in the state's northern three counties.

The board of directors of CDFA has awarded up to $125,000 in tax credits to TCCAP.

"The tax credit award will allow companies that donate to Tri-County CAP to receive 75 percent of their donation returned as an above-the-line credit on their state business taxes," CDFA communications director Kevin Flynn said Wednesday. "We hope the urgency of the situation and the attractiveness of the tax credit will motivate businesses to donate and keep these important services going."

CDFA is also pledging to make a cash donation, with several other charitable and community organizations promising to help TCCAP's clients, particularly in providing the necessities of food, shelter and heat, according to Flynn.

"It's critical that the service to Tri-County clients continues uninterrupted. Some of these people are just getting by even with the help, so watching things fold is not an option," Flynn said.

Among the programs that TCCAP offers are heating assistance, Head Start, elderly services, and help for those with substance abuse problems.

Those who wish to make an electronic pledge can go to nhcdfa.org/electronic-pledge.