Poverty

=**Poverty**=

// Poverty – relates to regional issue of Equity //
Poverty is a problem in Lorain County and there are many needs that emerge as a result of this. Here are some project ideas that came forth

1. Produce a directory that gives all agencies including private sector, information so that the needy of our county can have access to this to identify where to go for help. Poverty Assistance Directory 2. Develop a program where area businesses donate their time and staff to work at the area food cupboards. This would provide help and raise awareness. The Class could make sure that all of 2008 was covered and hopefully the businesses would continue to support this on their own. Each business who partners in this project would cover one specific month 3. People living in poverty often need legal assistance. The Legal Aid Society has difficulty getting lawyers to volunteer especially in Lorain County. There is presently only 1 lawyer available through Legal Aid for every 7,000 people in need. Idea: Invite Lo9cal lawyers to a poverty simulation and follow up with a sign up to volunteer at a legal aid clinic. Perhaps we could get continuing education credits for the simulation? 4. Form a study group to look at homelessness in Lorain County. Lorain has very few men being successfully transitioned from the homeless shelter to public housing. Priority in our community has been to serve women, children, veterans and the disabled. Currently there are only 30 beds available for every 300 men in need and they are allowed a maximum of 130 days when it is taking a minimum of 150 days to place these men in housing. The class could conduct a project to discuss the merits of having long term housing that encompasses supportive services such as employment training and a sheltered workshop. Some leg work has been done here and it is felt this could be a high profile project to adopt 5. Build an outdoor pavili9on for the Haven (homeless shelter) residents so they have a dry place to eat outdoors and gather during inclement weather. Neighborhood house could fund construction materials but labor would need to be donated. This could be an organizing project and hands on project if there are people who would like to do that piece.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: answer these for each project idea that you are interested in 1. What existing organization would we work with if any 2. Who else is presently addressing this issue if any 3. What are the budget and time implications (how many people would need to devote how much time and any money required?) 4. Do you have other ideas to build on this theme or a particular proposal? 5. Are there any ideas that could be merged 6. Have these ideas sparked any new ideas for consideration