Community Action Center

At Community Action Center (CAC), we strive to meet our neighbors’ most basic needs through resources, advocacy, and volunteer effort. Here are just some of our core programs and resources:

Food Access: CAC's network of three food shelves covers much of Rice County and distributes more than 2.5 million pounds of healthy, fresh, and culturally specific food and 500,000 diapers annually. One in four residents of Rice County access food at CAC's food shelves.

Housing Solutions: We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Through grant support and carefully honed relationships and partnerships within Rice County, CAC offers assistance with eviction prevention, rental assistance, landlord advocacy, crisis management, and long-term housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness. This year, CAC built Ridgeview Heights in the heart of Faribault, a supportive housing community that will help families and individuals move from emergency housing to affordable housing, all while contributing to a rooted workforce and thriving economy. 

Customized Resources: CAC recognizes each person's needs are unique. Our walk-in resource centers in Northfield and Faribault are designed to serve each individual in meaningful ways. Our staff are dedicated to building trust and relationships with community members, taking the utmost care to remain confidential, responsive, and kind in each interaction. From helping with applications for health insurance or jobs to securing scholarships for children to play sports, our advocates walk side-by-side with participants to meet their individual needs.

Leadership: Vibrant and engaged Community Advocacy Councils in both Northfield and Faribault represent current and former participants of CAC that provide true leadership and voice in hiring, program development, and service improvements. Mission-centered and solidarity-focused from the ground up, CAC is neighbors helping neighbors.

Volunteers: CAC volunteers show up every single day to help deliver assistance wherever needed. Their support is equivalent to seven full-time paid staff!

From volunteers to donations to program-specific support, CAC's vitality depends on YOU. Give generously, whenever you can, however you can -- and especially during Give to the Max. CAC is grateful to have you as a partner in living out our mission. Here's how to contribute:

• Give to the Max website (fees applied to CAC)

• Donate directly on CAC's website

• Send a check to: CAC, Administration Office, 1651 Jefferson Parkway Suite HS-200, Northfield, MN 55057

Thank you for making a difference today!