The St. James Parish Department of Human Resources’ mission is to provide residents with programs and services to help improve their quality of life leading to self-sufficiency.

In l964, when the St. James Community Action Agency (CAA) was first organized, Summer Head Start for 4-5 year old underprivileged children was the first program that was operated. St. James CAA, now the Department of Human Resources, currently administers over twenty different programs.

The Department of Human Resources consists of several divisions including Administration, Finance, Planning & Research, and Social Services. This Department administers many federal, state, and charitable grants and programs. Some programs provided are homemaker services and information for elderly; emergency assistance payments such as food, utilities and rent; Head Start for 3-4 year olds to help prepare the child for pre-school; public transit system, and in-parish transportation to non-emergency medical appointments; a summer food service program to provide a nutritious meal to youths and disabled residents; housing that provides counseling for first-time homebuyers, default or delinquency financial literacy and savings plans; and a cultural arts program for youth and elderly.  This is a clear indication of why the Department of Human Resources’ motto is “One Department, Many Services.”