Alex Area Stewards have defined 13 key destiny drivers that will work to strengthen economic vitality for the region.  Over the next thirteen weeks you will read about each destiny driver and its importance to the region.  If you find a destiny driver that ignites your passion for the future, call the stewardship committee at 763-4545 and become a part of shaping the destiny of our region.

The Community Impact Coalition has been asked to champion the cause.

The Facts:

Locally, there is a 12.0% poverty rate; 27% free and reduced lunch rate for District 206; 200-250 families are served by the food shelf each month; Douglas County HRA’s waiting list for low income housing is 468, more than double one year ago; and an unemployment rate approaching 7.6% in the Alexandria Region.  In addition 4,225 local residents meet the federal poverty guidelines, while 10,376 are actually eligible for government assistance such as free and reduced lunched, energy assistance and other programs.

The Challenge:

Decreasing poverty and improving quality of life for all residents.

The Question:

How can a community deliver on a mission to bring hope for economic prosperity to even the most impoverished and make measurable improvements in the lives of those around us?

Targeted Strategies:

1. Ensure basic needs are met

Access to food, housing, clothing, medication, & safety

2. Invest in education, improving ability to achieve full potential.

Provide skill building training that increase access to quality employment

3. Increase access to affordable housing for all ages.

Create and expand income based rental options and housing assistance

4. Develop affordable, efficient transportation options.

Enhance programs that support access to public and private transportation

5. Maintain awareness of poverty issues in our area.

Provide quarterly articles, letters to the editor, psa's, or informational means to keep public informed of poverty issues and needs in our community.

6. Move Alexandria forward in taking action steps to decrease poverty and improve quality of life.

Develop logic model to identify gaps and monitor progress