What would it take to end poverty in our county?

List reasons why some people living in this county are not self-sufficient. List challenges faced by youths, single parents, families, senior citizens and disabled people living in this county. What barriers keep people from working in your county? What services are missing in your community? What would it take to end poverty in your community?

Hundreds of people in the nine counties served by Green Hills Community Action Agency have answered these and related questions during the agency’s needs assessment process this summer. In fact, thousands of Missourians have been asked these and similar questions as the 19 Community Action Agencies in the state conduct or update their needs assessments. These community-based assessments are the foundations for the drafting of strategic plans that address the specific needs of each county in Missouri.

While people in each county in Missouri live in poverty, the objectives, strategies and outcomes for moving people from poverty to self-sufficiency differ from county to county. Some Community Action Agencies operate a Head Start program, GHCAA does not, for example. GHCAA manages food pantries in some of its nine counties, but in other counties, food pantries are operated by ministerial alliances or other organizations.

In each of its nine counties, GHCAA staff conducted focus groups; surveyed and interviewed business people, ministers, customers, service providers, vendors, volunteers, staff and board members; and collected statistical data in the needs assessment process. Earlier this month, all of this information was tallied, summarized and analyzed by a committee of staff and board members.

Here is a sample of the findings:

• Lack of employment is a leading cause of poverty in the Green Hills region. There aren’t enough jobs period, especially jobs that pay a living wage and offer benefits, such as health insurance, vacation time and retirement plans.

• Lack of education is a leading cause of poverty in the region. Although the region has a

community college and several vocational/technical schools for post-secondary education and

training, lack of financial aid, transportation, and affordable child care are barriers that keep

people from attending classes. Lack of training for work is another barrier.

• Transportation is a major issue for people living in poverty. Public transportation options are

limited or non-existent in the Green Hills region, especially for rural residents. Cost of buying,

maintaining and repairing a vehicle is a barrier for people living in poverty.

• Housing is an issue for people living in poverty. Rent and house payments are too high, as are

rental and utility deposits. The region lacks affordable housing and temporary emergency

housing.

• Nutrition is an issue for people living in poverty. The region has food resources, such as food

pantries and meals for senior citizens, but transportation and lack of education in nutrition are

problems for people living in poverty.

• Use of income is an issue for people living in poverty. There isn’t enough income and people

sometimes make poor spending choices.

These are weighty issues and the problems facing people living in poverty cannot and will not be addressed easily and swiftly.

The next step in the process will be to develop a new strategic plan for GHCAA that addresses the needs of communities served by the agency. This strategic plan will be effective in fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Poverty has existed since the dawn of time and will exist until the end of time. But some people living in poverty have been, are and will continue to be given a hand up to self-sufficiency. GHCAA staff members know they cannot solve everyone’s problems, but they do believe they make a difference and can help people live better lives.

We need your help, however. You put the "community" in community action. If you would like to volunteer or partner with GHCAA to address poverty in your community, call the central office at 660-359-3907 or call your county service center.