The History of Community Action

The story of Community Action begins in 1964, when the Economic Opportunity Act declared an "unconditional War on Poverty in America" — and created Community Action Agencies to lead the charge.

In Florida, three organizations took up that mission: the Community Action Agencies Association, Florida Concern for Children (Head Start), and the Equal Opportunity Officers Association. Though separate, they shared a common purpose — protecting low-income and disadvantaged Floridians.

Over time, it became clear that together they could do more. On November 30, 1979, representatives from all three groups voted to unite under one roof. Two years later, in 1981, the Florida Association for Community Action (FACA) was officially incorporated — bringing together Community Action Agencies, Head Start programs, Weatherization programs, and concerned citizens into a single, unified force for change.