Many individuals and families, more than 3,700 families in our community, need a hand up and not a hand out. Many in Itasca and Koochiching County come to KOOTASCA Community Action, Inc. to find out about services and programs that will help them meet their household budget. People come to us for a wide range of services like job search, soft skills training, heat assistance, crisis furnace repair, pre-school programming, rent assistance, starting a savings account, or building friendships and support.

The current failing economy has put a strain on many families in our two-county area, and we are seeing more people come in who have never asked for help before. Across the agency, we have seen a 25-30% increase in applications. You may know someone who has lost a job or has unexpected medical expenses putting them behind on bills. They may have lost their home or gone without medicine or food. Many more families are asking for help for the first time.

Your contribution is needed! It is becoming more and more difficult to maintain services when federal, state and local budgets are being strained. The economic downturn has hit government resources very hard. Less government aid and a drop in foundation giving has resulted in less programming by our agency. Your contribution will help us provide critical support to families at this time. Here are some of the programs that we can continue with your contribution:

Crisis Nursery
Emergency Housing
PEER Men’s Shelter (Perseverance, Empowerment, Encouragement, Respect)
Transitional Housing
Circles of Support
Head Start for ages 3-4
Early Head Start for infants-toddlers
Teenage Parent Program
Starting a Matched Savings Account (FAIM)
HomeStretch homeownership classes
Personal Empowerment Training
Getting Ahead Training
Bridges Out of Poverty
Financial Literacy
Volunteer Recruitment