Initiative to end poverty in the works
The United Way of Jackson County, Communication Action Agency and the Jackson District Library are leading an effort to identify the root causes of — and what do about — the high percentage of Jackson families who struggle to make ends meet.
“If we can permanently improve people’s economic situations, especially struggling households, the entire community benefits,” said Ken Toll, president and CEO of United Way of Jackson County.
In its early stages, the initiative hasn’t been named, but Megan Albertson, a facilitator for the project, said this is the time for long-term, substantial change. Data-driven conversations are beginning to outline the needs and wants of the community, building off existing networks to create responsive and effective structures, Albertson said.
More than 40 percent of households in Jackson County are struggling to make ends meet with 18 percent below the poverty threshold, the recent “ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed” report says.
Initiative coordinators and stakeholders say some of the most common issues impacting financial stability are housing, transportation, education and employment.
