Fighting Poverty Together

"This community is suffering greatly and is in great need."

"Mental health should be the priority. There are not enough services in Monroe County and wait lists are unbearable."

"So manypeople have suffered catastrophic losses and were denied the opportunity to grieve. Grieving services should be a key component of services offered, and should be coordinated and culturally responsive. Providing for the mental, physical and emotional needs of children who have lost a caregiver due to COVID-19 should be a priority."

“First, invest in building access to reasonably sustainable employment and other opportunities so people will be able to stay in their homes, builda sense of community and contribute to a thriving economic environment.”

“We have GOT to find a way to incentivize building more rental properties in school districts outside the city. Housing impacts education, which directly relates to employment/job attainment and wealth accumulation. There has to be a way to counteract the ‘not in my back yard’ response to expanding affordable housing to suburban towns and villages.”

"More support to young parents will help children at their youngest, most vulnerable years. Rescuing parents from the heavy load of childcare when trying to work full time is a great choice. These are folks who would succeed but are drowning under too much work and responsibility.”

“I think the need for childcare services is HUGE!!! Help single parents, provide stability for children at very important ages.”

"Lack of affordable childcare services is an obstacle to employment for all families, particularly to single-parent family households."

"People associate people who were in jail as scary and bad. More support for their mental health could help with that, but there also needs to be awareness within the community that these people have served their debt and should not be judged harshly for prior actions."

"I am a social worker/care manager and transportation is a huge barrier. I like that this proposal includes paying for outstanding fees. This is a barrier for many working poor. "

"I'm looking for a career option and not just a job. Something that will make me completely self-sufficient."

"We've got to always keep trying. Try your best. No matter what, never give up. If you can hold on for a minute, for a day, for a week, it’s going to get better."

"When we talk about poverty, we know all the concerns and struggles in our community, but I want to change the whole narrative going on and focus on the positive. It's about giving guidance and support, making sure everyone is at the table."

"The essence of what I believe is that we’re all human, that’s something we just forget endlessly. We need to recognize the humanity in everyone and trying to uplift each other."

"I believe parents are experts--of their families and lives and their communities. I believe that every table making a decision about parents and children should have parents at that table. I always say if we are not at the table, we are on the menu."