How to get help from a Community Action Agency

Start with your own agency

Assistance is delivered locally, so the first step is finding the agency that serves your county. Use the Agency Locator, then call the office before you visit — many programmes take appointments only, and some open intake in set windows during the year.

What agencies commonly help with

• Power, gas and cooling or heating bills, including shutoff crises
• Rent, deposits and eviction prevention where local funding allows
• Free home weatherization to permanently lower energy bills
• Head Start and Early Head Start for young children and pregnant families
• Food assistance, nutrition support and SNAP application help
• Job readiness, training and education support

How eligibility usually works

Most Community Action programmes serve households at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, though individual programmes set their own limits and priority groups — often households with older adults, people with disabilities or young children. Staff will confirm what you qualify for during intake.