Section
Breadcrumbs
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies (CAA) are local, private and public non-profit organizations that promote self-sufficiency and work to reduce the causes and conditions of poverty in the communities they serve. They help individuals and families who are considered low-income achieve the following goals:
- Increase self-sufficiency
- Improve living conditions
- Promote ownership of and pride in their communities
- Strengthen family and support systems
CAAs offer a variety of programs that may include but are not limited to:
- Employment and employment-readiness training
- Food and nutrition assistance
- Child development programs, including Head Start and center-based daycare
- Individual and family self-sufficiency initiatives
- Youth development
- Fuel and energy assistance
- Domestic violence prevention, counseling, and emergency assistance
- Emergency assistance such as: temporary shelter, food, medical assistance, clothing, and conflict resolution
- Affordable housing and homeownership opportunities
- Assistance to individuals and families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness
- Transportation assistance
The most commonly-used CAA programs include the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - which provides utility benefits - and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - which increases a home’s energy efficiency. (make LIHEAP and WAP link to those pages on our site)
Community Action Agencies were founded as a part of the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act as part of the War on Poverty. Each CAA is governed by a board of directors consisting of at least one-third low-income community members, one-third public officials, and up to one-third private sector leaders. This board structure is defined by federal statute and is known as a tripartite board.
CAAs’ main source of federal funding is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). CAAs use CSBG funds to support a variety of anti-poverty programs, including other federal and state-funded programs. Those programs vary widely among agencies, since CAAs plan and implement their programs based on the specific needs of their local communities. CSBG is NOT a program open to individuals and families for direct funding or assistance. Income-eligible residents can, however, apply for the programs offered by their county’s CAA.