Central Florida Community Action Agency, Inc.
Text Box: FAQ’s What is the Philosophy of the National Community Action Partnership (CAP)? “Community action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.” What is a Community Action Agency (CAA)? Community action agencies began with the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson to help fight the “War on Poverty.” Today there are over 1,100 community action agencies nationwide that establish and administer anti-poverty and self-sufficiency programs. What does a CAA do? Helps an individual secure and maintain employment. Helps an individual secure adequate education. Teaches individuals and families better income management. Helps secure adequate housing for individuals and families. Provides emergency services for individuals and families. Helps individuals and families improve their nutrition. Creates linkages with other anti-poverty programs in the agency’s service area. Helps individuals and families achieve “SELF-SUFFICIENCY” as the main goal of a community action agency. What is the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA), Inc.? CFCAA was incorporated in 1981 as a nonprofit agency to develop and administer anti-poverty programs for individuals and families living in Alachua, Levy and Marion Counties. Its purpose is to reduce poverty by helping low-income individuals and families break free from government financial support. The ultimate goal of CFCAA today is to help low-income people in the community become self-sufficient. What is the mission of CFCAA? Central Florida Community Action Agency is committed to helping people strengthen their lives through community partnerships. How does CFCAA help families become self-sufficient? CFCAA assists families who want to become self-sufficient by providing intensive case management services, guidance, and referrals in the area of: employment, education, financial management, health, nutrition, childcare, transportation, legal assistance, and more. What services does CFCAA offer? Energy Assistance - is a one-time payment toward the household’s energy account. Weatherization Services - provides a variety of repairs to weatherize area homes to improve energy efficiency. Family Self-Sufficiency Program - is a program that helps individuals and families to become totally self-sufficient or free from dependence on social services and public assistance. Meals on Wheels - is provided for elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals who are maintaining independent living as a result of receiving this home-delivered food service. This program provides a nutritious, hot meal to the individual four times a week. What is LIHEAP? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a mandatory federally funded service. The purpose of LIHEAP is to assist low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, in meeting their immediate home energy needs. How does someone qualify for services? To qualify for services applicants must meet the income guidelines for the program for which they are applying. Applicants must provide required documents to verify identity, residence, total household income, and the need for the service they are requesting. Where does someone need to live to get assistance from CFCAA? Applicants for CFCAA services must live in Alachua, Levy, or Marion Counties to get assistance. Persons living in other areas can find the agency nearest to them here: http://www.communityactionpartnership.com/about/links/map.asp Where does someone apply? Applicants must apply to the CFCAA office in the county in which they live.

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