What Pickaway County Community Action Organization does

Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community action agency founded in 1965 in Circleville, Ohio, operating as the designated Community Action Agency for Pickaway County under the federal Economic Opportunity Act framework. It delivers five categories of programs through a workforce of 101-250 staff across approximately nine physical locations in Circleville and Ashville: Early Childhood Development (Head Start and Early Head Start across five classrooms and home-based visits), Emergency Services (HEAP, Winter/Summer Crisis, PIPP, weatherization, Ohio House veteran transitional housing, and the new Soap-n-Hope mobile hygiene unit), Empowerment Opportunities (PICCAcademy, Wheels to Work, Toys for Tots, Triple S Wellness, Representative Payee), Transit Solutions (Flex Bus and countywide Demand Response), and Residential Services (95 housing units across Ohio Heights, Lincoln Heights, and Prairie View apartments plus housing repair/weatherization programs).

The underlying "technology" is fundamentally human service delivery infrastructure rather than software. Programmatic operations run on standard SaaS tools (Squarespace for the public site, JotForm for client intake, Microsoft Forms for client surveys, an IT Front Desk scheduling system for HEAP appointments, and an AppOne careers portal). The physical delivery platform is the agency's primary asset: a 16-acre campus at 469 East Ohio Street in Circleville acquired in 1997, multiple Head Start centers, three multifamily housing complexes, transit vehicles, and the mobile hygiene trailer launched in October 2024.

The business model is grant-and-donation funded rather than revenue-commercial. Primary funding is federal pass-through: Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Office of Head Start grants (HHS Grant #05CH013002), USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grants, and ARPA funding. Secondary funding includes state and county human services contracts (notably with the Chillicothe VA Medical Center for veteran housing), municipal grants (City of Circleville opioid-settlement funding), corporate and civic donations, and rental income from the 95 housing units. Pricing on housing units ranges from $705 to $1,000 per month with income eligibility gates; transit fares are token ($1-$3 per ride); most human services are free at point of delivery with federal poverty-line eligibility gating. Programs are delivered directly to income-eligible households, and customer segments include pregnant women and children (Head Start), low-income adults and energy-burdened households, homeless and at-risk veterans, income-eligible renters, and county residents needing transportation.

Name

Pickaway County Community Action Organization

Legal name

Pickaway County Community Action Organization

Website

https://picca.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Rural, Tribal & Special-Population Housing Programs (FSALAKAL)

Keywords

• Community action services
• Early childhood education
• Affordable housing programs
• Energy assistance programs
• Veteran transitional housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Circleville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Primary funding from federal grants including Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Office of Head Start funding, USDA Rural Development grants, and ARPA funding. These grants support the agency's various programs including early childhood development, energy assistance, housing, and veteran services.
2. Donations: Monetary and in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and foundations to support specific programs and client assistance.
3. Housing Rentals: Rental income from three housing complexes: Ohio Heights (43 units), Lincoln Heights (20 units), and Prairie View Apartments (32 units). Total of 95 units generating rental revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) is a nonprofit community action agency that delivers a portfolio of social services to income-eligible residents of Pickaway County, Ohio. Core offerings span Head Start and Early Head Start preschool programs, home energy assistance (HEAP, PIPP, winter/summer crisis), affordable rental housing across three complexes (95 units total), county-wide public transit, transitional housing for homeless veterans, employment and career support (PICCAcademy, Wheels to Work), home weatherization, and emergency hygiene services (Soap-n-Hope).

Product overview

Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) is a nonprofit community action agency providing comprehensive social services to Pickaway County residents. The organization operates multiple distinct programs organized into five service categories: Early Childhood Development (Head Start and Early Head Start), Emergency Services (HEAP, Winter/Summer Crisis Programs, Ohio House transitional housing for veterans), Empowerment Opportunities (PICCAcademy, Wheels to Work, Toys for Tots, Triple S Wellness), Transit Solutions (Flex Bus and Demand Response transit), and Residential Services (weatherization, housing rentals at Ohio Heights, Lincoln Heights, and Prairie View Apartments). PICCA is not a technology product company but rather a human services organization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PICCAcademy: A federally funded program designed to help income-eligible adults achieve their career goals through work supports, vocational training assistance, and on-the-job training.
• Soap-n-Hope
• Ohio House
• Wheels to Work
• Triple S Wellness

Products and services

• Head Start A federally funded preschool program providing comprehensive services to children ages 3–5, promoting school readiness through early learning, health, and family engagement. Serves income-eligible families in Pickaway County through multiple center-based locations.
• Early Head Start Federally funded program for pregnant mothers and children from birth to age 3, providing early learning, health, and family engagement support through home-based weekly visits and center-based care at the Ohio Center.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Provides income-eligible clients with a credit sent directly to their primary heat source. Income eligibility is set at 175% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, with applications accepted annually from July 1 through May 31.
• HEAP Winter Crisis Provides assistance with high heating costs including heating oil, propane, wood, coal, or disconnection on natural gas or electric utility. Available annually from November 1 through March 31 for metered utilities in disconnect status or bulk fuel within 10-day supply/25% or below.
• HEAP Summer Crisis Provides a one-time electric utility benefit to prevent or resolve utility disconnection, plus window air conditioning units and fans to eligible clients every 3 years. Available annually from July 1 through September 30.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Establishes level-billing with regulated utilities based on household income. Clients with regulated gas and electric pay 5% each; all-electric households pay 10% of household income. Must re-apply every 12 months.
• Ohio House Transitional Veteran Housing Provides transitional housing for homeless single male Veterans, single female Veterans, and Veterans with families in partnership with Chillicothe VA Medical Center. All residents receive case management with action plan goals to transition to permanent housing.
• Ohio Heights Apartments 43-unit housing complex in Circleville offering 23 two-bedroom units ($900/month) and 20 three-bedroom units ($1,000/month), including air conditioning, washer/dryer connections, patio, and storage.
• Lincoln Heights Apartments 20-unit housing complex in Circleville offering 8 efficiency units, 4 two-bedroom units, 7 three-bedroom units, and 1 four-bedroom unit with monthly rents ranging from $705 to $825.
• Prairie View Apartments 32-unit housing complex in Ashville offering 24 one-bedroom units ($800/month) and 8 two-bedroom units ($840/month), with vaulted ceilings, carport parking, and single-story floor plans.
• Home Weatherization Program Installation of weatherization measures to increase home energy efficiency and reduce monthly utility expenses for income-eligible households (200% FPG). Includes proof of income requirements and landlord permission for rental properties.
• Home Assistance Grant Program (HAGP) Assistance with minor home repairs including water leaks, door and window repair, and roof leaks. Income eligibility at 50% Area Median Income.
• Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) USDA Rural Development-funded program providing home repairs and rehabilitation for income-eligible families in rural areas of Pickaway County at up to 100% Area Median Income.
• PICCAcademy Federally funded program helping income-eligible adults achieve career goals through work supports (steel toe boots, safety equipment, uniforms), vocational training and education fee assistance, and on-the-job training paying up to $12/hour for 20 hours/week.
• Wheels to Work Federally funded program helping income-eligible adults maintain employment by providing financial assistance up to $2,000 for automotive repairs from PICCA-approved vendors.
• Toys for Tots Provides toys to income- and age-eligible children ages 1–17 in households at or below 175% of the poverty level. Distributed annually during the holiday season.
• Triple S Wellness Program dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to holistic well-being through diverse activities designed to encourage sobriety and foster social interaction.
• Representative Payee Program PICCA receives beneficiaries' monthly checks, tracks spending, and determines how benefits can best be used for personal care and well-being of the beneficiary.
• PICCA Transit (Flex Bus) Free Flex Bus service in Circleville operating weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with stops at major locations including Walmart, Kroger, PICCA, Ohio Heights, OhioHealth Berger Hospital, and other community destinations.
• Demand Response Transit In-county demand response transportation service with regular fares at $1.00 (≥24-hour advance booking) or $3.00 same-day, plus 50%-off discount fares for seniors aged 65+, people with disabilities, and veterans.
• Safe Kids Car Seats Operates the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) program providing child safety seats and booster seats to eligible low-income families, including an educational class on proper car seat use and installation.
• Soap-n-Hope Mobile Hygiene Unit 32-foot mobile hygiene trailer with three shower stalls (including one wheelchair-accessible stall) and two stacked washer/dryer machines. Serves homeless individuals, those in need, and the community during emergencies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,300 households stabilized since 2020 through ARPA-HRG program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core, strategic and minor.

• Utmost RenovationsnotableImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 3 March 2025Amanda, Ohio-based renovation company contracted to complete bathroom renovations at Ohio House using Homes for Veterans donation funds.
• Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 2024OACAA coordinated a multi-state effort to provide supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina. PICCA worked with OACAA to collect and deliver household items, winter clothing, and office supplies to Blue Ridge Community Action in Morganton, NC. Supplies were transported to Highland County Community Action Organization for final delivery.
• The Ohio State University (OSU) Knowlton SchoolstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 September 2024OSU city and regional planning students from the Knowlton School are conducting a capstone research project to help PICCA explore feasibility of creating housing for homeless veterans. Twelve college seniors are examining the project from zoning, property development, utilities, fundraising, marketing, community relations, and operating perspectives. Project runs August 20 to December 3, 2024.
• Harral and StevensonstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 September 2024Circleville-based civil engineering firm donating services to develop a site plan for the proposed veteran housing project. Managing partner Craig Stevenson is working with the city to assess water and sewer infrastructure that served the former Mount Praise Campground.
• City of CirclevillestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 September 2024City officials collaborating with PICCA and OSU students on the veteran housing project feasibility study. Mayor Michelle Blanton expressed support for the project.
• Chillicothe VA Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans. The VA refers clients to Ohio House on PICCA's property, with background checks completed before admission. PICCA provides mental health support, wellness opportunities, and employment-readiness services under contract with the local VA.
• Shears (Kera)minorOthersLocal hairstylist donates time and expertise providing haircuts to veterans at Ohio House shelter, helping restore dignity and boost self-esteem.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Church Residences: Large Ohio-based nonprofit providing affordable housing and senior services across multiple states. Comparable to PICCA's affordable housing operations (95 units) but at significantly greater scale and broader geographic reach; serves as a benchmark for nonprofit housing operator economics.
• CHN Housing Partners: Cleveland-based nonprofit providing affordable housing, supportive services, and foreclosure prevention across Ohio. Comparable to PICCA's residential services portfolio and HUD-funded housing operations, but at substantially larger scale and with broader program scope.

Regional players

• Ross County Community Action Commission: Ross County CAA providing energy assistance, Head Start, and senior services in south-central Ohio. Directly comparable as a CAA in a similarly sized rural county; PICCA's Mobility Manager Traci Harris previously worked here, indicating industry linkages.
• Community Action Commission of Fayette County: Neighbor Ohio CAA providing CSBG-funded social services including Head Start, energy assistance, and weatherization to low-income households. Operates the same federal program stack (CSBG, Head Start, HEAP) as PICCA in an adjacent rural county.
• Community Action Organization of Scioto County: Scioto County, Ohio CAA offering CSBG, Head Start, HEAP, weatherization, and housing services. Operates the same federal program stack as PICCA in a rural Appalachian Ohio context, providing a peer benchmark for outcomes and funding scale.
• Fairfield County Community Action Agency: Adjacent Ohio CAA serving Fairfield County with the same CSBG, Head Start, HEAP, and weatherization program mix as PICCA. Comparable in scale and rural-suburban Ohio operating context.
• Paint Valley Community Action Organization: Paint Valley CAA serves Highland, Fayette, and Pike counties in Ohio as a designated Community Action Agency. Directly comparable to PICCA in mission (anti-poverty), federal funding mix (CSBG, Head Start, HEAP), and rural Ohio operating context, though it covers multiple counties versus PICCA's single-county footprint.

Others

• Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA): Statewide membership association for Ohio's Community Action Agencies. Not a direct peer but the trade body representing PICCA's category of organizations; relevant for benchmarking, advocacy, and inter-agency collaboration (PICCA participated in OACAA-coordinated Hurricane Helene relief).

Emerging players

• Licking County Coalition for Housing: Ohio affordable housing provider serving Licking County with rental assistance and supportive housing. Comparable to PICCA's residential services arm (95 units across 3 complexes), though more narrowly focused on housing rather than full CAA scope.

Direct peers

• IMPACT Community Action: Columbus, Ohio-based CAA serving Franklin County with Head Start, energy assistance, housing, and workforce programs. Closest direct comparable in terms of program breadth, scale (~200+ employees), and federal funding structure, but operating in a more urban geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Pickaway-County-Community-Action-PICCA-461952547963295
• Instagraminstagram.com/p/CsgLKz_Je5f
• Xx.com/piccahelps
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pickaway-county-community-action

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Pickaway County Community Action Organization