What is the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee? There's no way to fully record all of the people and programs that have been “Helping People. Changing Lives” for more than 60 years. If a particular person, initiative, or program has not been included or fully described it is due to limitations of space, time, or memory.
A quietly effective organization that does not often make the headlines, CAC is based on the simple idea that our community is better able to address its issues and assist local people than a top-down, one-size-fits-all federal or state program. Recognizing this reality was Knox County Judge Howard Bozeman, who in 1964 led the creation of CAC as an agency that would use available federal funds, but remain locally led with strong ties to city and county government and a wide range of community stakeholders.
CAC is part of a nationwide network of community-action agencies all sharing a unique form of governance—a tripartite board of directors. In roughly equal parts, the CAC board brings together public officials, representatives of the lower income community, and the broader public/private sector. The involvement of lower-income community representatives in all aspects of program planning and implementation is critical to the success of CAC and its role in the community as a trusted solution for individuals and families.
Experience counts. CAC is ready to give immediate help whenever a crisis or unforeseen event upends the lives of Americans. In 2005, CAC welcomed Hurricane Katrina evacuees to Knoxville. Then CAC helped citizens weather the 2008 housing crisis. Most recently our resilient staffers responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with vigor and courage. CAC has the experience and expertise to navigate the complexities of federal and state funding which is especially relevant in these challenging and uncertain times.
Today CAC is a critical first stop for those in need to navigate available resources. In 2024, CAC served more t