United Way of Douglas

& Pope Counties

POVERTY

  There are approximately 3,000 residents in our service area currently living below the 2007 Federal Poverty Guideline.   Poverty is an issue that increasingly affects our local communities. The spread between the “haves and have-nots” continues to widen.

  For a single parent with two children the Federal Poverty guideline is $17,170. This is in sharp contrast to what the actual cost of living is in our region which is $33,275 for this family size.  For a family with two working parents and 2 children the Federal Poverty guideline is $20,650 (15.99 per hour).  The cost of living in our region for a family of four is $44,015 ($21.16/hour combined).  These figures are according to the JOBS NOW^® 2006 Cost of Living in Minnesota report.

  Families unable to cover even the most basic of needs have no hope of providing anything extra for their children. These regional numbers are a “basic needs budget’ which does not include money for entertainment, restaurants, vacation, emergencies, retirement or children’s education expenses. Nor was any money dedicated to debt payment, skills training, or retirement savings.

  United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties recognizes poverty as its primary Community Impact agenda item for 2007/08.  Our mission “to create sustained changes and improve lives” impels us to help stabilize families struggling to survive.  We are committed to assisting in the process of resolving the issues of financial stability, affordable housing, and hunger by:

• Informing residents of programs, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, that are designed to provide relief for low income families as they work to develop long term independence.

• Addressing the numerous issues surrounding low income housing, by supporting increases in the total units available as well as the maintenance and energy efficiency of existing units.

• Reducing the number of children without sufficient food through education of available food options.

  This is a commitment that moves beyond mere service delivery and emergency care and assistance.  United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties cannot make this happen without the assistance of our communities.  It is time to recognize what needs to be done to make an impact for the long term. 

**Recent Press Releases

Poverty Issues Grabs Attention - April 25, 2008 Commentary

Big Needs, Not Enough Money - April 11, 2008 Echo Press Column

CULTURE OF POVERTY AWARENESS TRAINING POSTER (.pdf)

COMMISSION TO END POVERTY BY 2020 Community Forum Flyer (.pdf)

Example: Food Stamp Support Letter to Congressman

Link to Additional Poverty Resources

Minnesota's Congressional Delegation

Poverty Statistics Booklet - Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse Counties - (Booklet form when printed on front and back of page) (.pdf)

"No one was ever honored for what he received. 

Honor has been the reward for what he gave."

                                                                                       --- Calvin Coolidge

Website Updated May 02, 2008

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