Charleston County Human Services Commission is a Community Action Agency (CAA). Community Action Agencies are private non-profit organizations that were created by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty by fostering self-sufficiency among low-income and working families. The Charleston County Human Services Commission provides transportation, housing, emergency services, education, employment, and child care. CAAs receive core administrative funding from the Federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), a flexible resource that allows CAAs to react quickly and effectively to specific needs. CAAs use CSBG funds to cover central administrative costs, thereby freeing up other resources to enhance or expand existing services.

The agency receives its funding primarily from a combination of federal grant programs such as Community Services Block Grant, Economic Opportunity Program, the Department of Energy through the Governor's Office of the State of South Carolina, and other public and private sources.

Private businesses, elected government officials, low-income representatives make up the Board of Directors for the agency. The board is responsible for the programmatic and fiscal intergrity of the agency. It sets policy and approves program plans and budgets.