- 1Because poverty impacts every single person
in Central Ohio, whether we see it or not. - 2Because poverty is an economic drain, resulting in increased disparities, health care costs, crime, and homelessness, which we all pay for.
- 3Because poverty limits opportunity. Every day, children in Central Ohio who have no choice in the matter are born into poverty. They deserve an opportunity to succeed.
- 4Because even though unemployment is at historic lows in Central Ohio, poverty remains high. That’s unacceptable to us.
Take Michael, for example.
If Michael grows up in poverty in South Linden, where 2 out of 3 people don’t earn enough to meet their basic needs, then he is more likely to live in poverty as an adult. Michael’s children will likely deal with food insecurity, lack of healthcare, the threat of homelessness, increased crime and decreased opportunity.
A cycle of poverty creates generations of people trapped in neighborhoods with low incomes.
But studies show if poverty is reduced by 10% in South Linden, then Michael’s children will experience about at $7,000 increase in family income compared to children in neighborhoods where the poverty rate wasn’t reduced. That small improvement increases their chances toward more stable, productive lives.
Your gift to United Way helps us break the cycle and reduce poverty.
