About ACCESS

ACCESS is the Community Action Agency of Jackson County. Through partnership with a caring community we provide immediate and long-term solutions that lead people in need toward self-sufficiency. ACCESS uses local contributions to supplement our Nutrition, Housing and Senior Programs. Other programs are mainly funded through grants and contracts.

ACCESS has been helping Jackson County residents achieve economic stability since 1976. With a focus on education, we help low-income families, Veterans and seniors through economic crisis by guiding them through changes in the habits that help them become self-sustaining. ACCESS currently serves Jackson County residents through 15 programs. Our vision is to create a sustainable environment of self-sufficiency, self-respect and service to others.

Providing services to help with heating and cooling costs

No matter what time of year, energy costs can be high and significantly impact low-income residents. ACCESS Energy and Weatherization programs help address immediate needs as well as long term solutions to save energy and reduce energy consumption.

Low-Income Heating Assistance
One-time payment toward winter heating costs

Energy Education Program
Valuable tips and efficiency products to help reduce energy consumption

Low-Income Weatherization Program
Helping people conserve energy by making energy efficient upgrades to their homes

Providing affordable housing, rental assistance and resources

The ACCESS Housing Programs are dedicated to creating affordable housing and services offering low to moderate income people the opportunity to live in decent, safe housing.

Rental Assistance
Preventing and solving homelessness by helping people obtain or maintain decent, safe housing

Homeownership & Related Services
Certified HUD Housing Counseling Agency offering counseling, guidance and assistance

• Matched savings accounts to build resources
• Pre-purchase education
• First-time buyers assistance programs

Affordable Housing

• Designing, funding and managing affordable housing since 1992
• Over 200 units of quality affordable housing

Providing healthy, nutritious food to feed hungry families and individuals

No one should ever go hungry. ACCESS is committed to addressing hunger needs within our community.

ACCESS Food Share Gardens
Growing healthy produce for ACCESS food pantries and agencies

ACCESS Food Share Pantry Network
Providing emergency food boxes to hungry families and individuals in partnership with a county-wide pantry network

Commodity Supplemental Food Program
USDA supplemental food program supporting seniors

Cooking Skills Education Program
Teaching basic essential cooking skills through demonstrations and classes

Fresh Alliance
Collection and distribution of meat, dairy and other perishable products from grocery stores

Plant-a-Row
Local gardeners grow extra rows of healthy produce and donate to ACCESS food pantries and agencies

Providing a one-stop reference point for a wide range of services

Information & Referral Services
ACCESS staff provides referrals to both agency programs and other community resources available to low-income families

Medical Equipment
This program loans medical equipment at no cost to residents who have short-term needs. The program accepts donations of clean durable equipment in good working condition.

Outreach to Seniors & People with Disabilities
ACCESS staff are available to visit vulnerable residents in their homes to help them remain at home in a safe and healthy environment. Referrals are provided to community resources that help clients improve their quality of life and continue to live independently.

Support Services for Veterans Families Program (SSVF)
ACCESS supports veterans and their families who are struggling with homelessness. This program assists families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and helps to prevent at-risk families from becoming homeless.