Athens group works to eliminate poverty

from The Red and Black

BRITTANY WHITLEY

Nearly 1,300 people gathered to hear the local anti-poverty initiative, Partners for a Prosperous Athens, unveil their plan to eliminate poverty late Monday at the Classic Center.

The group has involved local leaders along with the public to find a solution to Athens' high poverty rate.

Steve Jones, chair of Partners for a Prosperous Athens, said the initiative is a historical, one-of-a-kind effort that would be recognized throughout the state and nation as a leadership model.

"We have recognized a problem, and we have attacked that problem," Jones said.

Partners for a Prosperous Athens presented 10 initiatives. Their goals include reducing teen pregnancy, creating affordable housing, expanding the public transportation system and introducing the unemployed into the work force.

Jones said the plan was not a recommendation to throw money at the problem but an effort to spend money more efficiently.

Michael Thurmond, the Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner, who was a guest speaker at the meeting, said a growing number of Athens-Clarke County citizens are living in poverty.

Although all poverty cannot be eliminated, that's what we aim for, Thurmond said.

"All our citizens should have an equal opportunity," Thurmond said.

Mayor Heidi Davison said the initiative represents a desire on the part of the community to help those who live in poverty.

"I think it will mobilize the community to do something different than in the past," Davison said.

She also said existing money from government services will fund the 10 recommendations. Other funding will come from a charity foundation.

Partners for a Prosperous Athens will take immediate action to implement the recommendations including reviewing and incorporating the results form Monday's meeting by March 26.