History

Founded in June 1965, Tri-County Community Council, Inc. is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency committed to reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for low-income individuals and families. The agency was established to develop and implement comprehensive anti-poverty initiatives in Holmes, Walton, and Washington Counties.

One of Tri-County’s earliest programs was the Head Start Program, offering holistic early childhood services—including education, health, nutrition, and family support—to children living in poverty. Since 1983, Tri-County has served as the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Holmes, Walton, and Washington Counties, expanding access to employment, healthcare, education, and other essential services. The agency broadened its reach in 1997 by serving as the Community Action Agency (CAA) for Jackson and Okaloosa Counties, and later added Santa Rosa County in 2000. Tri-County further strengthened its transportation leadership as CTC for Bay County from 2004 to 2013 and incorporated Bay County under its CAA umbrella in 2011. In 2015, Tri-County was named the CTC for Santa Rosa County.

Today, after nearly six decades of service, Tri-County Community Council, Inc. continues to break down barriers, create opportunities, and strengthen communities—advancing economic opportunity and improving access to essential services across seven counties.