Community action committee of the lehigh valley

Community Action Lehigh Valley is a private non-profit organization that builds communities where all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue it, and a voice in decisions affecting their lives. They provide programs in Advocacy, Business Start-Up and Development, Food Access and Nutrition, Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Youth. Their mission focuses on improving quality of life in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas by addressing the causes and conditions of poverty.

The organization serves individuals and families in need across the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, including those facing poverty and housing insecurity. They specifically target low-income residents through a democratic selection process for their Board of Directors, ensuring representation from organizations with predominantly low-income memberships. Their programs aim to help people navigate challenges like foreclosure, food insecurity, and lack of affordable housing.

To get started, individuals can reach out directly through their contact form or by calling their main office. The organization offers a range of services from housing counseling to food access programs, and they encourage community involvement through volunteer opportunities. Their annual meeting in 2023 highlighted their commitment to affordable housing as a human right, inviting community members to participate in their advocacy efforts.

The organization has been operating since 1964 when Community Action Agencies were encouraged by the federal government to combat poverty in local communities. They are part of a national network and a Pennsylvania network, working to address poverty through comprehensive programs that involve elected officials, public sector representatives, and low-income residents. Their history reflects a long-standing commitment to community development and economic opportunity.

The organization is located at 1337 East 5th Street in Bethlehem, PA 18015, and can be reached by phone at 610-691-5620. Their physical location in Bethlehem places them centrally within the Lehigh Valley, making them accessible to residents in the area. They maintain a strong local presence through their office and community events.

Reviewers consistently praise the staff for being friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Many reviews highlight the supportive and understanding nature of the staff, who go above and beyond to assist individuals and families in need. The dedication of the team to helping those in the community is a recurring theme in positive feedback.

The Trustburn rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 12 reviews, with a mix of 4 and 5-star ratings and a few 3-star ratings. The most recent reviews are from 2023, with the earliest being from 2022. The rating split shows a strong majority of positive experiences, with a small number of mixed or lower ratings.

The organization's website mentions their 2024-2025 statistics, including serving 97 families through the Sixth Street Shelter, weatherizing 98 homes, selling 25,000+ plants, and serving 124,000 people monthly through Second Harvest Food Bank. They also disbursed $14 million in loans to small businesses through their Rising Tide Community Loan Fund. These figures highlight their significant impact and scale of operations.

The organization offers a variety of programs including housing counseling, food access, and youth services. Their housing counseling team provides comprehensive support from pre-purchase counseling to foreclosure diversion. They also operate the Sixth Street Shelter and manage the Seed Farm for plant sales, demonstrating a diverse range of services.

The organization's Board of Directors includes representatives from various sectors, including elected officials, public sector representatives, and private individuals. They have a structured governance model with committees for board development, youth center, and personnel. The board ensures democratic representation and oversight of the organization's affairs.

The organization's annual meeting in 2023 featured guest speakers including Congresswoman Susan Wild and local leaders, highlighting their commitment to affordable housing. They also produced videos showcasing success stories from their housing counseling team, such as Chelsie's story, to illustrate their impact. These events and media productions demonstrate their engagement with the community and advocacy efforts.

The organization's mission statement emphasizes building communities where all people have access to economic opportunity and a voice in decisions affecting their lives. They focus on addressing poverty through comprehensive programs that involve various sectors of the community. Their approach is rooted in the belief that affordable housing is a human right and that community involvement is essential for effective poverty alleviation.