Poverty Initiatives

There are many different types of poverty initiatives that are being conducted across all levels of government (Local, State, and Federal). There are various types of reduction programs ranging from educational to shelters to federal funded programs. Listed below are sites that you can visit to see what organizations in your state and city are doing.

Connecticut

• In 2004, Connecticut became the first state in the nation to enact a law setting an anti-poverty target – to cut child poverty in half by 2014. The target and the subsequent creation of the Child Poverty and Prevention Council have made reducing poverty a priority for policy-makers and business leaders across the political spectrum. The Council reports annually on its progress and is charged with developing an implementation plan, establishing prevention goals and recommendations, and measuring outcomes to promote the health and well-being of children and families.
  

National

• Poverty Initiative members have been involved in the day to day activities of Picture the Homeless (PTH), an advocacy group for and of homeless people based in East Harlem. The Poverty Initiative is sponsoring a work-study student at Picture the Homeless. The Poverty Initiative has been an active partner in the Potter’s Field Campaign. Presently the City of New York disposes of the bodies of indigent and unknown people, one quarter of whom are children, in unmarked, inaccessible and mass graves on Hart’s Island. The Campaign wants to insure a dignified burial (including a worship service) and access to the gravesites. Recently, PTH and interfaith leaders in New York City, including Poverty Initiative members gained access to Potter’s Field where they have been holding bi-monthly memorial services for those buried there.