KOOTASCA Community Action is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Itasca and Koochiching Counties in Northern Minnesota.

Founded by local citizens in 1965 to address the root causes and conditions of poverty in our community, KOOTASCA is led by the community it serves and empowers the poor to determine the needs and solutions for our communities.

Through comprehensive crisis support, anti-poverty services, and partner referral we help people to help themselves make meaningful change in their lives and journey out of poverty. Knowing that effective advocacy and change are developed within the community our mission, “Building Community to End Poverty,” is a collaborative effort with our community to change attitudes and mindsets about poverty, to change the systems that affect people in poverty, and to engage all community members in creating a community that provides opportunities for everyone.