Of the empirical research on agency utilization, examinations on the usage of community based organizations (CBO's) such as Community Action Programs, Opportunities Industrialization Centers, and Urban Leagues, have been minute. This study of CBO's revealed significant relationships relative to the use of program services by 575 respondents randomly selected and surveyed via structured interviews in summer 1985. Data on above and below poverty level users of CBO's in rural and urban settings were analyzed. Employing the discriminant analysis technique, the study examined differences on selected dimensions of the human capital theory to assess the cumulative ability to differentiate the two groups. The results indicated that no statistically significant level was found in regard to race. The characteristic profile of those who utilized CBO's reflected persons who tended to be retired or unemployed, female, and lacking a high level of educational attainment and additional training. The discriminant model revealed age and occupation were the important determinants for the usage of CBO's, followed by poverty level, additional job/skill training, and sex. The findings were supportive of previous research on traditional agency utilization. Concerning agency differences, the hypothesis that relevant regional differentials would emerge was not supported. References and statistical tables are appended. (Author/JMM)