Byrd Barr Place – Fighting for Equity Since Day One

Fighting for justice and equality is nothing new to Byrd Barr Place, a Community Action Agency (CAA) serving folks in Seattle’s Central District neighborhood and the surrounding areas of Seattle and King County.

Byrd Barr Place began its legacy as the Central Area Motivation Program or CAMP in 1964 during the civil rights movement. During this time, Americans were experiencing the highest rates of poverty since the Great Depression. CAMP’s motivation was to help people help themselves as part of the first generation of community-inspired organizations founded by the federal Economic Opportunity Act. Grassroots organizers in Seattle’s Central District joined together to build economic mobility and civic engagement within the Black community.

By 1967, CAMP had more than 300 employees and more than 25 community service initiatives, including employment and training programs for folks struggling with poverty. It was through this work, CAMP began developing a broad network of community support and partnerships. In 1979, CAMP joined the Community Action network (known then as the Washington State Community Action Program).

Today, Byrd Barr Place continues to provide innovative programs and essential services that empower people to live healthy, prosperous lives. In 2020, more than 20,000 households accessed Byrd Barr Place’s safety-net services — food, shelter, warmth, and personal finance tools — to build stability and self-sufficiency.

Through advocacy initiatives, Byrd Barr Place mobilizes community members to dismantle poverty and racism, not just in the city of Seattle but across Washington State. The organization strategically raises awareness of racist policies and systemic inequities that limit opportunities for far too many people and their families, taking a lead role in our state’s conversation around Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reform, our regressive tax code, and basic income pilots. They also publish research and work to promote Black well-being in Washington, advocating for philanthropic investment in Black-led community based organizations.

Follow this link to learn more about Byrd Barr Place’ programs and services, or this link to explore Byrd Barr Place’s incredible advocacy work.