The Realtor association’s housing opportunity fund donated $30,000 to the Provo-based nonprofit, which will help fund its learning center that aims to help people gain stable housing.

“The funds are going to support the learning center, the staff and the cost to run and provide those classes, because the classes are available for free to those in the community,” Community Action Services and Food Bank Chief Impact Officer Jessica Miller said.

Dan Kennedy, president of the Utah Central Association of Realtors, said in a statement that UCAR is honored to support Community Action’s efforts.

“Our communities are strengthened when local organizations come together,” he said.

It’s the second consecutive year the Utah Association of Realtors has donated to Community Action Services. Last year, the group pledged $60,000 to a lease initiation program and the homebuyer education and financial literacy program.

According to Community Action CEO Tom Hogan, the funds helped serve approximately 240 households, 90% of which made less than 80% of the area median income.

Of the impacted households, 76 prepared for homeownership through HUD-certified classes, 23 participated in learning center classes and purchased a home and 17 moved from homelessness to permanent housing.

Miller said the homebuyer education program intends to serve a similar number of households this year.

“Each of our programs helps families take steps toward self-reliance, whether that’s helping them get back on their feet through food or shelter assistance, teaching them financial literacy skills, preparing them for homeownership, or helping them overcome barriers to getting out of poverty,” Hogan said in a letter to UCAR. “Each step brings renewed hope and the opportunity for greater prosperity in the future.”

The program is one of several services Community Action provides to Utah County and Wasatch Back residents. According to Miller, the food bank serves around 100 community partners, while the nonprofit also provides case management services that can provide specific assistance.

Community Action also has a Circles initiative, which focuses on helping people escape poverty long term, and a community gardens program, among other efforts, Miller said.

Community Action will hold its seventh annual Poverty Summit from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Provo Library, where community leaders will address poverty and work to find solutions.