Organization: Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council
Mission: Chelan Douglas Community Action Council, established in 1965, is a result of President Lyndon B. Johnston's War on Poverty and from the advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect and recognize that social constructs such as race, gender and poverty continue to create barriers that must be addressed. We believe that with hope and equitable access to adequate resources and opportunities, everyone can reach their fullest potential, and we are committed to achieving that vision. We pledge ourselves to creating an environment that pursues innovation and excellence through multi-sector partnerships and collaboration. Our mission is to end poverty by helping people and changing lives, and we will serve to that end until all people of North Central Washington flourish.
Activities: Other Program ServicesThe goals of the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council(CDCAC) include: individuals and families are ready to engage; the agency is ready to support; the community is ready to invest. These goals are accomplished through a variety of programs, at no cost to participants, comprised of community parternerships, including over 50 memorandums of understanding; food assistance; delivering over 1.5 million pounds of food to ten food pantries and five meal sites supporting 27,000 low income residents with healthy, nutritional foods; adult literacy education to 125 residents annually, supported by 40 volunteers; and operating the regional ServiceCorps programs supporting over 450 volunteers who provide help to children, adults and seniors; tax preparation services for 800 families/individuals; and financial education to individuals to increase management skills and asset building.
Housing CDCAC operates 50 affordable housing apartments with a mix of permanent and transitional options. Services include rental assistance for a one-time need or up to 24 months, security deposits, utility assistance, emergency hotel room vouchers, essential household supplies(mostly personal care and hygiene products), case managment, employment search support, and referrals to other community support services. Over 200 people living without a home or facing an eviction were provided with housing assistance in 2019.
Weatherization and Energy Assistance CDCAC provides complete home energy improvement renovations to qualified residents including insulation, heating systems, plumbing, electrical, windows and doors, either upgrades or replacement; each year renovating about 30 homes at no cost to low income families, seniors or individuals with disabilities. In addition, CDCAC provides utility assistance to over 1,000 households to pay for electric, propane, wood or other heat sources; paying a one-time sum up to $1,000 each year to qualified households.
NTEE category: Human Services
Secondary category: Housing & Shelter