The purpose of the Agency shall be:
To develop, mobilize and utilize to the maximum extent possible, all available human and material resources, on the local, state, and national level, for the purpose of eliminating the causes of poverty and combating existing poverty.

To develop directly, and to stimulate and encourage other groups and
organizations to provide services, assistance, and other activities intended to make progress toward elimination of poverty and problems caused by aging, the provision of decent, affordable housing and/or bettering conditions under which people live, learn, and work.

To plan and develop programs which are designed to enable low income families and individuals to become more self-sufficient, and moderate- income families and individuals to remain self-sufficient.