Get More Information

Community Action Agencies serve as a nationwide network of private non-profit and public organizations created as part of the war on poverty in 1964 to combat both the causes and conditions of poverty at the local level. Community Action Agencies are designated to serve specific geographical areas throughout the country, with nearly every city and county in the nation being served by a locally governed community action program. Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

A Community Action Agency

• Has received designation as such;
• Is recognized as an eligible entity as defined by the CSBG Act and can receive funding from the state under the Community Services Block Grant;
• Has a governing board consisting of one-third democratically selected representatives of people experiencing poverty, one-third local public officials or their designees and one-third representatives of the private sector in the community; and
• Belongs to a national network of similar organizations, the majority of which received their initial designation, federal recognition and funding under the amended Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

While most poverty-related organizations focus on a specific area of need, such as job training, health care, housing or economic development, Community Action Agencies reach out to people experiencing poverty in their communities, address their multiple needs through a comprehensive approach, develop partnerships with other community organizations, involve people with first-hand knowledge of poverty in their program planning and implementation and administer a full-range of coordinated programs designed to measurably impact poverty.

Community Action Partnership (CAP) is a community action agency serving the 10 northernmost counties in Idaho and Asotin County in Washington.