"Many families are in poverty despite working: 35% of families with children included a person working full time. Some people need help to get back up: counseling, vocational training, and encouragement."
May 9th, 2008
 
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Information About Poverty And Homelessness
How much poverty and homelessness are there?

Poverty is a significant problem in our community.

Ten percent of Colorado families and 9.7% of people in Colorado live below the poverty line 3. Sadly, 30.4% of families with single mothers and children live below the poverty line 3.

Another way to measure the magnitude of the problem is by the demand it generates. In 2003, we provided over 200,000 meals locally.

What causes poverty and homelessness?

Poverty is the leading contributor to homelessness in Colorado 1. Causes of poverty are various and include low wages, limited employment opportunities, lack of affordable housing, domestic abuse, mental illness, and substance abuse.

Affordable housing is particularly a problem: of all renters, 41% cannot afford fair market rent for a two bedroom apartment4.

Why don't they just get jobs?

Many families are in poverty despite working: 35% of families with children included a person working full time2.

Some people need help to get back up: counseling, vocational training, and encouragement.

Aren't you just enabling them?

Our programs are designed for long-term results. We want people to be self sufficient.

What are you doing to help?

We provide a variety of programs and services to provide short-term relief (through emergency services, for example) and long-term results (through the New Life Program).

What can I do to help?

Pray, mentor, provide vocational training at your business, and provide clothing needed for job interviews. Donate to support all our programs and services.

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Sources: 1 Homelessness in Colorado, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (2003). 2 Poverty Despite Work in Colorado, Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute (2001). 3 U.S. Census Bureau (2003). 4 City of Colorado Springs.