Rather, CSBG services were established to fill local unmet needs and, in fact, complemented the longer term services offered by the social services agencies. During the last 25 years, the CAAs have continued to battle hunger, inadequate housing, illiteracy and other problems facing the poor. 7he CAAs have survived, even flourished, despite numerous cuts in federal funding and attempts to weaken essential programs. Community Action Agencies have long advocated for and supported changes in the current welfare system, seeking innovative solutions to the problems confronting the low-income family. CAAs have initiated many outstanding self-sufficiency programs and have actively promoted changed in state policy.
Programs are extremely diverse.
A number of community action agencies have moved into economic and community development ventures, usually in collaboration with local officials and the business community. The area of housing and emergency shelter is one of the current priorities of many agencies, especially in dealing with the problem of homelessness. CAAs provide food, housing, education, job training, health and other services to 26 million low income people. Each Community Action Agency is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of representatives from the private sector, local public officials and residents of the low income community. An average of six volunteers work with the CAAs for every paid staff member.