Randall Erwin,
Executive Director

209 North 4th
Hugo, OK 74743

Phone: (580) 326-3351
Fax: (580) 326-2305
Email
Website

Incorporated: 1968

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The name "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw Nation's words "okla" (meaning "people") and "humma" (meaning "red"). Literally, the state's name means "red people." Oklahoma has the largest American Indian population in the country, at 7.9 percent. Choctaw County, in southeastern Oklahoma and along the border of Texas, is 15 percent American Indian.

HISTORY

Little Dixie Community Action Agency (LDCAA) was formed in 1968 as part of the War on Poverty. Its mission, since the beginning, has been simple: to work with the residents of Choctaw, McCurtain, and Pushmataha counties to improve their lives and strengthen their communities. LDCAA’s efforts focus on employment, education, housing, and nutrition. To this end, the organization develops affordable housing, supports economic and business development in the region, and provides Head Start, childcare, and transportation services. It also operates programs in housing weatherization, homeless assistance, emergency support services, and child nutrition.

STRATEGIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

LDCAA helps families build their own homes through its Self-Help Housing program. The organization celebrated the construction of its 1,500th Self-Help home in July 2006. Over the last two years, 81 families built their own homes. The organization also provides training and technical assistance to Self-Help housing providers in a dozen other states. LDCAA helps families become first-time homebuyers by providing pre- and post-purchase education and counseling, down payment assistance, and low-interest loans. In 2005, more than 225 people graduated from its homebuyer education program, and LDCAA helped 76 families become first-time homeowners.

LDCAA provides support to children and their families through its Head Start and Early Head Start programs. In 2006, the Head Start program served more than 550 children and their families, and the Early Head Start program served 30 pregnant women and more than 35 infants and toddlers. The organization also runs the Happy Days Child Care Center, providing care to more than 80 children.

LDCAA’s Small Business Administration Business Information Center/One Stop Capital Shop helps entrepreneurs and existing businesses by offering a combination of business development and technology assistance.

For more information, visit http://www.littledixie.org