Utah County trying to combat poverty

April 16, 2017, 8:10 pm

By Celeste Bingham

Utah County is in the process of trying to curb the type of poverty that spans generations. As of this moment, 4 percent of kids in Utah County are living in intergenerational poverty. Intergenerational poverty is measured by enrollment in public assistance programs such as food stamps, child care subsidies, cash assistance programs and Medicaid. With one out of four at risk of remaining in poverty as adults, (statistics from the Utah Department of Workforce Services), intergenerational poverty differs from what is known as situational poverty. Situational poverty is caused by circumstances such as losing a job or getting a divorce.

Groups who provide services to those in poverty have been brainstorming ideas since a workshop gathering in Provo in February. That will be used by a Utah County strategic plan to address the issue locally. Those experiencing situational poverty can often get themselves out of that situation, while those individuals intergenerational poverty can find it much more challenging.

The focus is on early childhood development, education, economic stability and health through improving communication and coordination between agencies who serve those in this specific area of poverty.

Though it will take time to develop and implement the plan, the hope is to have the strategic plan completed by June with it including strategies and tools that empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty themselves.

If you are interested in helping those in need, contact your local shelter or reach out to United Way for ideas on how you can help.

The community news source for Eagle Mountain Utah, Saratoga Springs Utah, Lehi Utah, American Fork Utah, Highland Utah, Alpine Utah, and The Cedar Valley, including Cedar Fort Utah and Fairfield Utah. Copyright 2024 The Crossroads Journal LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Utah County trying to combat poverty

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