Community action agencies (CAA), also referred to as grant subgrantees, offer support to families to help them gain self-sufficiency. In addition, in a crisis, they will coordinate short-term financial help for paying everything from energy bills to housing, transportation and employment expenses. The nonprofit, state- and federal grant-funded organizations have an office in all 36 Oregon counties to help low-income families overcome their hardships or exit poverty.
Agencies also offer a variety of social services to people who need help. Agency case managers work closely with individuals and families to provide them with a number of financial assistance programs. They also arrange everything from employment to budgeting classes, debt reduction, and general self-sufficiency.