In addition to providing referrals and direct assistance, CAAs are economic engines driving sustainable development within their communities. Staff sizes range from a few dozen at our smaller, rural agencies to hundreds of full- and part-time workers in agencies that serve urban centers or large geographic areas. These employees live and work locally, spurring economic activity in real estate, retail, and service industries.

In addition to being significant employers, CAAs are involved in economic development arenas, such as the creation and management of affordable housing projects, providing financial support to local entrepreneurs, helping clients achieve educational and economic goals, and offering numerous educational programs to enable clients to become better consumers and citizens. With the majority of their income deriving from federal and private grants, CAAs provide these much needed services with little or no support from the State of Michigan.