Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care assistance, and more. 

CAC provides drop-in resource centers where immediate response and support are available, and its thriving and abundant food shelves serve fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food to thousands of households each year. CAC also administers multiple housing services spanning from emergency shelter to workforce housing, including ongoing support services with tenants. CAC’s Recovery Support program helps individuals who are currently using or in recovery from substance use. Partnerships with local employers allow CAC to connect individuals to job opportunities and enhance job skills, and CAC’s retail clothing store provides the entire community with access to affordable clothing.

CAC’s mission is to promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy, and volunteer effort. To that end, CAC strives to be a trauma-responsive organization, providing services that embody the idea that people can adapt, heal, and even grow from traumatic experiences. Recognizing the effects that trauma has on individuals, families, and our society as a whole, CAC aims to reduce the impact of trauma on the lives that the organization touches by helping individuals to feel safe, connected and in control—over the course of many interpersonal interactions and in a variety of welcoming settings. Responding to the community in a trauma-responsive way is critical to the success of this position and to the mission of the CAC.

CAC’s resources and staff are integral parts of their communities and include partnerships with schools, businesses, faith communities, and other organizations. This extensive local network allows CAC to pursue community-engaged solutions, prioritize partnerships, and collaborate with thousands of volunteers. Currently, CAC is looking for a Housing Advocate to help support the community-responsive work of CAC.