Community Action Agencies across the country have been waging a war on poverty since 1964 when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act into law. This states in part: It is the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in the nation by opening to everyone the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.

Community Action of Southeast Iowa continues to work toward that goal to help people out of poverty, assist them in obtaining decent and affordable housing, adequate nutrition, employment, affordable and quality childcare, education and training so they may become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. Our challenge is to design and implement programs to address these needs.

At Community Action of Southeast Iowa we believe in individuals and their abilities and potential. We also believe that creating stronger, more self-sufficient individuals and families benefits the entire community.

Community Action of Southeast Iowa is one of 16 Community Action agencies in the state of Iowa and one of over 1,000 nationwide. The agency operates programs in Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa counties and the WIC program in Muscatine County.

Community Action provides emergency assistance such as shelter, food and clothing and so much more to area residents and the homeless through our five Community Action Centers.

Learn more about Community Action by watching Community Action History 101 by the Community Action Partnership.

We partner with the Iowa Community Action Association and the National Community Action Partnership. Take a look at some of our agency’s reports and the National Impact Report to learn more about us.