Since 1964
August 20, 1964
Proclaimed a National “WAR ON POVERTY”.
President Johnson signed into law
THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ACT (EOA) of 1964.
“Although the economic well being and prosperity of the United States have progressed to a level surpassing any achieved in world history, and although these benefits are widely shared throughout the nation, poverty continues to be the lot of a substantial number of our people.
The United States can achieve its full economic and social potential as a nation only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of the capabilities of each individual and to participate in the workings of our society.
It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation, by opening to everyone the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.”
This law described the purposes, structure and financing of Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) in the United States.
Since 1964, an entire codex of federal laws, guidelines and administrative requirements have developed to oversee the complex daily operations of the CAA’s.
By any standard, the CAA’s in the United States, whether as private corporations or public agencies, are some of the most regulated and scrutinized institutions.