Mirela Missova’s Post

Changing the Narrative: Dispelling Myths About Poverty in Pierce County Poverty is one of the most misunderstood issues in our society, often clouded by myths and stereotypes that undermine both our empathy and our solutions. In Pierce County, thousands of our neighbors face the daily struggles of poverty, yet their stories are often reduced to inaccurate assumptions that obscure the systemic barriers they face. It’s time to change the narrative—and that begins with looking at the facts. One common myth is that people living in poverty simply lack work ethic or motivation. The reality in Pierce County is much more complex. Many families experiencing poverty are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet, but they’re trapped by low wages, rising housing costs, and the increasing expense of basic needs. Others face barriers such as disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or a lack of affordable childcare, which prevent them from securing stable employment. Another pervasive myth is that poverty is a permanent state. In truth, poverty is often cyclical and situational. Families may fall into poverty due to sudden life changes—like a job loss, a medical emergency, or the loss of a primary caregiver. These are not failures of individual character but reflections of an economic system that leaves too many vulnerable to crises. At Community Action, we are actively working to change this narrative by educating our staff, providers, elected officials, and community members about the realities of poverty in our community. Our efforts are rooted in data, not myths. For example, we know that poverty disproportionately impacts certain groups, including children, single mothers, and communities of color, due to systemic inequities that have been in place for generations. Community Action is making a difference, but we can’t do it alone. Addressing poverty requires a collective effort from policymakers, businesses, nonprofits, and everyday citizens. It requires us to ask hard questions about the structures that perpetuate inequality and to invest in solutions that create real opportunities for everyone. Changing the narrative about poverty isn’t just about correcting misconceptions—it’s about creating a more inclusive, equitable community where everyone has a chance to thrive. This holiday season let’s remember that our neighbors experiencing poverty are not numbers or statistics. They are families, workers, and children with hopes and dreams, just like the rest of us. Let’s commit to seeing them, supporting them, and standing together to break the cycle of poverty.

Reflecting on my time as an NSCC student in 2020, just before the global pandemic, I had the opportunity to participate in a "Map the System" project alongside a group of peers. As part of our coursework, we focused on examining child poverty in Nova Scotia, aiming to develop a comprehensive report and visual graphic that highlighted key issues, gaps, and potential opportunities for intervention. What struck me deeply during this experience was the stark contrast between Nova Scotia and other provinces, many of which were successfully reducing child poverty rates while ours continued to rise. In 2017, 1 in 4 children in Nova Scotia lived in poverty—and today, that statistic remains unchanged. While the pandemic brought temporary relief through support programs, the end of these measures has once again left many children vulnerable. The complexity of this issue requires more than a single solution. It calls for reflection on how small, collective changes can contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty. How can our systems collaborate more effectively to improve financial, health, and social outcomes for children? It’s a reminder that addressing systemic challenges requires continuous, coordinated efforts across sectors. We must ask ourselves: what tangible actions can we take today to create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive?

We can’t break the destructive cycle of crime without addressing child poverty.   This week, SHiFT’s Chief Executive, Dr Amy Ludlow, spent time in the North East, where SHiFT runs two Practices in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. During her visit, Amy focused on deepening her understanding of the local communities. Ahead of the broadcast of the BBC Children in Need TV appeal this evening, and within the context of South Tees, it felt important to underscore again the relationship between child poverty and the destructive cycle of crime, that SHiFT seeks to break.     The message is clear: while most children and young people who experience poverty do not come into conflict with the law, living in persistent poverty is a key predictor of childhood offending and a predominant experience of children and young people who are in secure care and custody (see e.g. Jahanshahi, Murray and McVie, 2021; Gibson, 2021). Addressing child poverty is therefore crucial—not only to prevent young people from entering the justice system, but also to support those already in conflict with the law, helping them build safer, crime-free futures.    Growing up in South Tees is tough. The area has bright and brilliant children and young people, brimming with potential, but too many are facing systemic challenges from birth that mean they experience adversity, inequality and limited opportunity. While governments have, in different ways, committed to ‘levelling up’ in places like South Tees, the data tell us that efforts to date have not made enough difference. While investment is not all that’s needed, it’s clear to those working in the area that greater investment is essential, both to better support children, young people, and families in moments of crisis, and to move beyond reactive measures and focus on prevention.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few insights from data about the experiences of children, young people and their families of growing up in South Tees include:     → In Redcar and Cleveland 28.7% of pupils claim Free School Meals (compared to 22.5% nationally), with 35.4% living in child poverty (national rate: 29%). Nearly 1 in 4 households are workless. Only 24.9% of residents hold qualifications at level 4 or above, compared to the national average of 33.8%. → In Middlesbrough, 64% of pupils meet Key Stage 2 expectations in reading, writing, and maths (compared to the national average of 75%). Nearly 25% of 10-11-year-olds are classified as obese, and infant mortality rates exceed national averages. In 2020-23 there was a 28% increase in children becoming Looked After. Of all Wards in Middlesbrough, six (30%) are in the top 1% most deprived Wards in England. → Both areas have a school exclusion rate of around 30%, three times the national average.  

Day 1 of Challenge Poverty Week is focussed on the issues surrounding Housing poverty. According to a survey conducted by Shelter Scotland, 21% of children in Scotland live in what’s considered ‘absolute poverty’. This means that parents are unable to meet basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter over an extended time. These statistics are simply staggering and clearly demonstrate that more needs to be done to address this acute level of poverty. The Poverty Alliance has set out what needs to be changed by Scottish Government to begin addressing these issues at scale and pace. For families living in temporary accommodation and without a permanent place to call home that is safe, secure and sustainable. The Alliance have asked in their key policy actions for Government to adequately and realistically fund new home delivery through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, give tenants fair rights and offer advice, guidance and financial support relating to making homes more energy efficient.   Those living in poverty are at risk of developing mental health problems as their inability to pay bills can lead to sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress and depression. Berwickshire Housing Association and mental health charity, Penumbra, worked together to establish the BeWell Project.   Berwickshire Housing Association witnessed an increase in tenancy sustainment issues linked to poor mental health which led to negative effects on their wellbeing and the viability of their tenancy due to disengagement and substantial rent arrears.   The BeWell initiative was introduced for tenants in need of mental health and wellbeing support by giving them access to experts from Penumbra, a leading mental health charity. The aim of the BeWell project is to promote independent living by addressing key factors that risk tenancy sustainment, offer in demand emotional and practical support, reduce tenancy breakdown and subsequent rent arrears, grow relationships with BHA staff, deliver services within tenants homes or where they feel most comfortable. This project is funded by Berwickshire Housing Association and the SPA’s Community Benefit Fund.   The SPA Community Benefit Fund, in partnership with Lintel Trust, has supported Berwickshire Housing Association with the the BeWell initiative since 2021. BeWell was recently awarded further funding for 2024-25 taking the total grant funding awarded to £40,000. The SPA fund recognises projects that address critical issues within Scottish communities and provides them with the financial backing to kick-start community groups and initiatives and maintain their sustainability and long term future. Read more about the SPA community benefit fund: https://bit.ly/3LYNw7c

On this #FathersDay, I wanted to take a moment to talk about our children. For me, I have two boys - four and two - who, along with my incredible wife, are my life, and whose health and wellbeing I strive to support every single day. We do whatever we can to ensure the boys have access to nutritious food, are in safe environments where they can learn and play and thrive, that their colds are tended and scrapes are cared for, and that they have a warm, stable home as their foundation on which to build. It is the privilege of our life to be their parents; it is also our greatest responsibility. Every child in New York deserves such access to a safe home, healthy food, health care, quality schooling, and every opportunity to grow and succeed. But we continue to struggle to realize this imperative. In May 2024, the Office of the NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report on "New York Children in Need," which highlighted key statistics about children in New York State that still haunt me, including: - Nearly one in five children in New York are living in poverty. - New York has the 41st highest childhood poverty rate in the US, behind our adjacent states, as well as CA, IL, and FL. - It is an urban problem. Among our counties, the Bronx and Brooklyn top our list; while Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo ranking among the top large cities in the US with the highest rates of child poverty. - It is also a rural problem. Underrepresented in the report (IMO), rural child poverty is pervasive in NY. In Broome and Chautauqua counties, childhood poverty rates exceed one in four; NY's Southern Tier persistently struggles. This is not new news. In Dec 2021, the legislature passed and the Governor signed the Child Poverty Reduction Act, and convened a Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council to develop proposals to reduce our poverty rate by 50% by 2031. The Council (https://otda.ny.gov/cprac/) has since met on a number of occasions since it was convened in Oct 2022, together and as issue workgroups, and with help by the Urban Institute, aims to release recommendations on how the state can address #ChildhoodPoverty in late fall: nearly three years after the Act was passed. The recommendations look thoughtful, and I want to commend, Pete Nabozny of The Children's Agenda, Kate Breslin of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, Allison Lake of Westchester Children's Association, and Vanessa Threatte of the NYS Council on Children and Families for capably representing the corners of our state. As the Comptroller's Report notes, however, outcomes for our children only continue to deteriorate; time is of the essence. These recommendations should aim for impact through permanent system change, and our state leaders should be ready to fully and public receive and consider them. Happy Father's Day, all. Time to take care of the kids. https://lnkd.in/eqT9vAWn

Poverty isn’t just about a lack of money; it’s about the deprivation of basic human needs such as food, healthcare, and shelter. According to the Poor People’s Campaign, poverty-related deaths are not only prevalent but preventable. The fact that poverty remains a leading cause of death indicates a failure in our societal systems. • Food Insecurity: As of 2022, over 34 million people, including 9 million children, lived in food-insecure households in the U.S. (Feeding America). • Healthcare Access: Approximately 28 million Americans are without health insurance, leading to untreated chronic conditions and avoidable health complications (Kaiser Family Foundation). • Housing Instability: On any given night, more than 580,000 individuals experience homelessness (HUD). These numbers represent lives at risk due to inadequate access to essential resources. Despite various programs designed to assist those in need, the barriers to accessing these resources are often insurmountable. Bureaucratic red tape, stigma, and insufficient funding undermine the effectiveness of social safety nets. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), for instance, provides crucial food aid, yet many eligible individuals face obstacles in navigating the application process or meeting eligibility criteria. To address poverty as a leading cause of death, we need to reevaluate and reform our social support systems. • Increase Accessibility and Efficiency: Streamline the application processes for assistance programs to ensure that those in need can access help without undue difficulty. • Expand Healthcare Coverage: Ensure universal access to healthcare, focusing on preventive care and chronic disease management. • Invest in Affordable Housing: Increase funding for affordable housing initiatives and provide supportive services to prevent homelessness. • Enhance Economic Opportunities: Create job training and educational programs that equip individuals with skills to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence. Beyond policy changes, fostering a culture of empathy and community support is crucial. We must recognize that those experiencing poverty are not merely statistics; they are our neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens. By showing humility and meaningful empathy (SHAME) and giving up inhibitions, learning trust (GUILT), we can build a more inclusive and supportive society. Poverty as a leading cause of death in the U.S. is a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change. It’s an injustice that affects us all, and addressing it requires a collective effort. We must listen, understand, and act to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate poverty and its deadly consequences. Together, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, free from the grip of poverty. Let’s work towards a future where our social systems truly support and uplift those in need, ensuring that no one is left behind. #BarberBeauty413

Scale of Election Spending vs. Child Poverty In recent U.S. election cycles, spending has reached unprecedented levels. For example, the 2020 U.S. federal elections cost an estimated $14 billion. This staggering amount raises the question of whether these resources could be better utilized for societal issues, such as: Child Poverty in the U.S.: According to recent data, around 11.6 million children in the U.S. live in poverty. Addressing child poverty requires investment in areas like housing, food security, education, healthcare, and family support services. Redirecting even a fraction of election spending could make a significant impact on these areas. Policy-Based Impact on Child Poverty: Recent efforts like the temporary Child Tax Credit expansion in 2021 demonstrated that relatively modest government spending could have a transformative impact. The expanded Child Tax Credit lifted 3.7 million children out of poverty at an estimated annual cost of about $100 billion. Given this, the money spent on elections, if redirected, could theoretically fund such programs for years and substantially reduce child poverty. How Election Spending Could Be Reallocated If the billions spent on elections were directed toward poverty reduction, several initiatives could be supported: Direct Cash Transfers: Programs like the Child Tax Credit could be expanded, providing direct financial support to low-income families, which has been shown to immediately lift children out of poverty. Early Childhood Education: Billions could fund universal preschool, improving educational outcomes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, which has long-term effects on breaking the cycle of poverty. Healthcare and Nutrition: Funds could also be directed toward ensuring that all children have access to healthcare, reducing medical debt for families and improving overall well-being. Expanding programs like SNAP (food stamps) and WIC (nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children) could help address food insecurity among children. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Lack of affordable housing is a major factor contributing to child poverty. Election dollars could be diverted to programs that provide stable housing, reduce homelessness, and help families avoid housing insecurity. Job and Skill Development for Parents: Providing employment opportunities, training, and childcare support for parents could help families escape poverty long-term. Investments in these areas would indirectly benefit children by improving household incomes.

Interesting thoughts and insights. How can social service delivery be "re" designed to empower neighborhoods?

Poverty is a multidimensional experience for every family; therefore collaboration across sectors is crucial to eradicate poverty. We welcome the report released by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department for Education setting out their strategy for tackling child poverty, which has partnership at its core and emphasises the importance of tackling the impacts of poverty on children. The developing strategy is underpinned by a need for an understanding of the deep rooted causes and drivers of poverty. This shifts the dial towards a preventative approach, and one that prioritises support rooted within communities and delivered through multi agency partnerships. This is highlighted by their fourth key theme of 'better local support, focused especially on children's early years'. Communities are at the heart of tackling the impacts of poverty. They are best placed to know and understand the specific needs, challenges and assets of their local area. At AllChild we see the impact of collective action. Nearly 90% of AllChild children are on free school meals or living in one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England. We provide children and young people with opportunities so they can develop the skills they need to flourish. By shifting local resources towards prevention, micro-commissioning local delivery partners within communities, and coordinating schools, families, local authorities and other services to come together, we can produce a wrap-around package of early intervention, support and opportunities. Our Link Workers build trusted relationships with children and their families, working in schools everyday, and designing a package of support that is tailored to the specific needs of each child. Last year, AllChild linked children and their families to opportunities available in their local communities approximately 5,000 times. The result of this is a sustainable solution that continues beyond our programme of support. 78% of school leaders say AllChild achieves a significant impact for their families including improving families’ relationship with the school and their access to local services. It facilitates families to develop and build a strong relationship with their communities, and breaks down barriers so they can access timely and tailored support and opportunities. We very much welcome the government's intentions to listen to young people and families' voices as they shape this much needed strategy and will be sharing our evidence and ideas from the ground alongside others in the charity sector. To read more on the holistic AllChild approach follow this link 👉 https://lnkd.in/etiVWSYt Click below to read the Cabinet Office report 👉 https://lnkd.in/dprjUBv6

Stop criminalizing homelessness. Stop criminalizing poverty. Support children and families.   Commonsense measures that put money directly in the pockets of families have proven, time and again, to alleviate poverty.   A year-long study conducted by the Denver Basic Income Project provided over 800 unhoused people living with no-strings-attached payments.   The project recently released its year-one findings: 1️⃣ 45% of participants found stable housing. 2️⃣ Shelter stays reduced by half. 3️⃣ Mental health improved for parents with children under 18.   Today, over 100 Universal Basic Income programs like this exist in all 50 states. Unconditional cash assistance programs restore agency to families and help them with basic needs such as rent, food, and clothing. But the benefits of these programs don’t end there. From children’s health to their schooling, they impact children’s well-being, lowering stress for parents and caregivers, and leading to a better quality of life for families. These solutions can help families in crisis or before they hit a crisis point—preventing families from facing homelessness or involvement with the government systems such as the child welfare and legal system.   Click the link to read more about the Denver Basic Income Project’s findings: https://lnkd.in/e8UXJWdg