NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF NIAGARA
*************************
Based on community engagement and research, Niagara Region’s 2024-2028 Poverty Reduction Strategy has been developed with the goal of working together to prevent and end poverty and increase well-being in Niagara.
To accomplish this goal, the strategy outlines eight areas of focus. Each area of focus includes one recommendation and a set of actions, supported by research and best practices, that addresses the issues of poverty within the eight areas of:
- Indigenous well-being
- Food security
- Housing
- Income
- Early child development
- Employment
- Mental health and addiction
- Transportation
To create the necessary change for each of these areas of focus the strategy looks at services access, coordination and capacity, leveraging voices of lived expertise, diversity equity and inclusion, changing mindsets, advocacy and funding.
“Given the complex nature of poverty and the need for community-wide response, Regional Council recognizes that ending poverty will take more than five years, but this strategy is a major step towards achieving our goal and only the beginning of our work," said Chair Jim Bradley. "Through advocacy and investment, we are committed to working with the community and staff to help implement the actions required to end poverty for a prosperous and equitable region for all Niagara residents.”
The strategy was developed and shaped by the diverse voices of residents in Niagara, including those who are disproportionately affected by poverty. A Poverty Reduction Steering Committee, community groups, residents and community champions, including Indigenous communities, shared their time, commitment and stories through meaningful community conversations.
“The development of this strategy took a lot of work and I thank everyone involved as it has provided us with the focus areas and action items to begin creating change for our community," said Commissioner of Community Services Adrienne Jugley. "With a set of action items identified for each area of focus, moving this strategy forward will involve many interested and affected parties. By working together, Niagara Region staff and members of the Poverty Reduction Steering Committee will be inviting interested and affected parties to identify their role in helping us to end poverty.”
In October 2021, staff received Council approval to develop a Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy and a new approach for Niagara Prosperity Initiative investments. The development of a Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy meets the recommendations put forward in the Connecting the Pieces: An Evaluation of the Niagara Prosperity Initiative report by Brock University and the Niagara Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and is an action item of Council's Strategic Priority to become an Equitable Region.
Learn about the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy, including its background and interim reports on community engagement.
To learn more about how you can get involved or lend your skills, email [email protected].
*************************
