we are
Monticello Area Community Action Agency
Educating, inspiring, and advocating for those in need.
COMING SOON: The Early Learning Center at Hickory Hope
A bilingual Montessori school in the Southwood neighborhood.
The Southwood community is a resilient neighborhood with deep cultural traditions and enduring family and community connections. Families in Southwood face a critical child care gap and few affordable options, with average costs of care exceeding $12,000 a year. MACAA’s newest program, the Early Learning Center at Hickory Hope—located in the Hickory Hope affordable housing complex—addresses this need by providing access to affordable, bilingual Montessori education grounded in Southwood’s culture and strengths.
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Your gift helps low-income and underserved families in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, and Fluvanna as they pursue a path toward self-reliance. Consider giving today.
We no longer have PO Boxes in Fluvanna, Nelson, or Louisa. Donations sent by mail should be directed to our office at 1025 Park St in Cville.
Volunteer
Can you give your time and talents to our mission? Check out our volunteer page for all the ways you can contribute.
Our Programs
Since 1965, Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) has led the effort to eradicate poverty and improve the lives of low-income people in Central Virginia. We provide programs that benefit children, teens, and adults in our communities.
Project Discovery
Project Discovery promotes career readiness for first-generation high school students and those from low-to-medium income households in Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson, and Albemarle counties. Students receive assistance with college applications, locating financial aid, career planning, and preparing to excel professionally, academically, and socially after graduation.
Hope House
Since 1988, Hope House has transformed the lives of dozens of families. The transitional housing program offers intensive case management for families facing homelessness in our community. We work with up to four families at a time to provide a safe home, stabilize the family, reach employment goals, attain money management skills and maintain a healthy home environment.
Emergency Assistance
Our Emergency Assistance services aid residents of Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson counties with utility payments (electric, water/sewer, and gas). Our assistance is designed to be a temporary measure only. We assess needs and link individuals to resources in the region.
Fluvanna Food Pantry
Located in Fluvanna County, our food pantry provides those experiencing food insecurity with a five-day supply of emergency food items twice per month at no cost. We stock fresh produce, diary, meats, and non-perishable foods. We follow a guest-choice model, ensuring guests take home foods that they enjoy and need.
Nelson After School
Fluvanna Thrift Store
With sites at Rockfish Elementary and Tye River Elementary, our Nelson After School program (K-5) provides safe care and engaging activities for students during the school year.
Located in Fluvanna County, the thrift store sells gently-used women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, accessories, shoes, houseware, and kitchenware items at an affordable price. Every donation and purchase helps support our anti-poverty work.
Early Learning Center at Hickory Hope
Located in the Hickory Hope affordable housing complex, MACAA’s newest program addresses the child care gap for Southwood families by providing access to affordable, bilingual Montessori education.
