When you first start looking into financial assistance programs, it’s common to ask yourself things like: what is a Community Action Agency? Where can I find my local Community Action Agency? And what services and programs do they provide? Don’t worry: Low Income Relief can help you by providing the answers and resources you need!
What Is a Community Action Agency?
A Community Action Agency, or CAA, is a federally funded local organization. CAAs are meant to help local people organize, become self-sufficient, and address the needs of their community. This is because the local people know who is in their community, what the biggest problems are for the community, and how they would best benefit from financial aid.
CAAs are non-profit organizations that are mostly run by volunteers. There are over 1,000 CAAs in the US and they can be found in every state. You can use this search tool to find a local Community Action Agency near you.
I personally had difficulty finding my local Community Action Agencies using that search tool, even though I know there are some CAAs nearby. If you are having trouble as well, I would suggest going to Google and typing in the phrase “community action agency”, then the name of your city and state. You could also search the name of your county instead of your city.
For example: if you live in Tallahassee, Florida, I would go to Google and type this into the search bar: “community action agency Tallahassee Florida”. If there is a CAA near you, their website should appear in your search.
Who can get help from a Community Action Agency?
Whether you qualify to get help from a Community Action Agency will vary depending on a number of factors, such as:
- What services and resources your local CAA provides
- The individual eligibility requirements of those provided services and resources
- Your household size + total income
- Your individual situation (age, disability status, parental status, marriage status, etc.)
Your local CAA’s website will likely have details on the services they provide and the eligibility requirements for their services. Their website should also have a section with contact details in case you prefer to email, call, or visit the CAA’s office in person.
How can my local Community Action Agency help me?
How your CAA can help you will vary depending on what programs, services, and resources they provide.
According to the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo’s website, these are some common services that CAAs provide:
- Head Start programs (for pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and children ages 3-5)
- LIHEAP, LIHWAP, and Weatherization Assistance Programs (all programs that help low-income families reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient)
- Meals on Wheels services (free or reduced cost nutritious meals for seniors)
- Low-income housing development or affordable housing services
- Summer food programs
- Medical and legal volunteer help
Your local CAA may have all of these, none of these, or different kinds of services. It’s best to check your local CAA’s website or contact them via email, phone call, or visiting their office to find out what they provide.
What else can Low Income Relief do for me?
If you’d like to learn more about Community Action Agencies, you can read our other article on the topic by clicking here!
I really need help but don’t know what I’m doing and I’m losing hope!
I have tried 211, DHHS, Income based apartments resources, Christ net, and too many others to remember.
I’m less than a month away from losing my apartment at which point I will have nowhere to go. I have no family or friends that could let me stay with them till I can save some money. I cant afford to move due to moving expenses and I certainly cant stay here. I no longer have a working phone, and I lost internet several months ago. I have an unpaid balance with most of my utilities but Nov 1 I will have an increase to my rent which I will not be able to pay. and as of the 5th of Nov they will start eviction process even though I tried explaining my plight to the property manager and asked him for some help. basically he told me that if I cant afford to live here any more then I need to leave. He even accused me of
“doing nothing” and that I should have done something a year ago.
I have so much going on that I cant concentrate I cant eat or sleep because of stress. I have some wonderful neighbors as they have been helping me as much as they can. (covering some utilities)
I got some info from a local resource center in that they could probably help me.
they sent me links but I’m lost and confused on how to use them or what legit information I should get I just don’t know what to do anymore.
Im 61 years old and physically and emotionally disabled and I need help and guidance in navigating it all.
Im not sure how else to put my feelings of desperation.
Can someone PLEASE help me?
We’re so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds like you’ve done everything you can to find help, and it’s heartbreaking that you’re still facing this alone. You might find these resources helpful as you keep pushing forward:
https://lowincomerelief.com/rent-relief/
https://lowincomerelief.com/get-housing-help/
We know you already tried 211, but sometimes calling back and explaining the urgency—like your eviction timeline—can open up more options. We’re really glad you reached out, and if you need something else, you can email us directly at team@lowincomerelief.com
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. No one should have to face eviction alone, especially when you’re already dealing with health challenges. You might find more help by calling the Area Agency on Aging’s Eldercare Locator at 1‑800‑677‑1116. They may have additional local resources and could possibly connect you with an advocate who can help you sort through the options you were sent. We’re truly hoping you get the support you need.