Community action agencies and the services and programs they offer.

The Community Action program and the associated agencies were created back in 1964 as a result of the federal government Economic Opportunity Act (EOA). Over 1,100 community action agencies are now located across the country. The network is made up of local, public, private, and non-profit organizations and agencies that offer numerous services to people who need help. They work closely with families and individuals and provide them with programs including counseling, grants, funds for bills (including utility and heating), weatherization programs, rent assistance, foreclosure prevention services, job training, child care, emergency crisis grants, LIHEAP, and more.

The Community Action Agency (CAA) network is funded by federal government dollars. While the government funding goes directly to the state governments, they are required to forward 90 percent of the funds they receive to the local agencies and organizations so that the assistance programs can be funded. All together, CAAs serve almost 15 million low and moderate income people yearly in 96 percent of the nation's counties, and they provide them with help for bills and other expenses.