Conference set to target poverty

from the Livingston Daily Press and Argus

By Alison Bergsieker

With a median household income of $70,000, almost 40 percent above the state average, Livingston County residents appear to be pretty well off.

But below the surface are the more striking statistics: Poverty is an increasing issue around the county.

In an effort to get the word out, the Livingston County United Way is hosting a Bridges Out of Poverty two-day conference next week, welcoming social service providers, business leaders and the public to better understand and meet the needs of area people living in poverty.

"There is a perception that people in this community are well off and don't have problems," United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso said. "Well that couldn't be further from the truth."

The conference will feature trainer Monica Bein, a national consultant from Aha! Process Inc., an organization aimed at improving the education and lives of people living in poverty around the world. Consultants from Aha! Process Inc. work with school districts, social service groups and businesses to help people better understand poverty issues.

A Southeast Michigan Council of Governments report predicts Livingston County will increase in overall population by 15 percent by 2035, from 184,500 residents in 2006 to more than 212,000 residents by 2035.

Since 2003, the county's seen a 30 percent increase in families qualifying for public assistance, according to a United Way report.

"On a big map, if you look at us compared to the rest of the state, we look quite healthy," Rosso said. "But what we like to stress is it's much more difficult to be poor in an affluent area, where there isn't a public transportation system or other support systems in place. You don't have the support system that you would have in place in an urban area."

Of the calls made to the 211 service line for basic needs, 40 percent of calls are residents who can't afford rent payments, gas and electric bills, food and legal aid, according to a United Way report.

Anyone who works with people experiencing poverty, businesses who want to help people in poverty and anyone else interested is encouraged to attend the Bridges Out of Poverty conference.