January is Poverty Awareness Month

TravisCounty’s poverty rate is higher than the national rate, with an estimated 15.2% of Travis County residents living below the federal poverty level
The national poverty rate is 13.3% (2006 American Community Survey).

The Basic Needs Coalition of Central Texas is engaging in community-wide discussions about the impact of poverty in Central Texas.

Each week of January will focus on the impact and scope of poverty to specific populations in Central Texas. You will receive 3 more emails this month with information and a call to action.

2008 Poverty Fact Sheet

Poverty Question of the Week: How is poverty measured and what is the current reality for families?

Click here to view this week's eBlast

Week 1

Poverty Question: How does poverty affect my community?

Call to Action: Poverty Awareness Month Launch – Poverty: Images of Central Texas, January 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Caswell House. Please join the BNC at a photo exhibit/reception. Tickets for this event are $40 and all are welcome.

Week 2

Poverty Question: How is poverty measured and what is the current reality for families?

Call to Action: Participate in a food drive and view the compelling Poverty: Images of Central Texas exhibit, January 21, in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Day Walk.

Week 3

Poverty Question: Who Needs Assistance Meeting Basic Needs (i.e. food, housing)?

Call to Action: Share these e-mails and other information about poverty with family, friends, faith community, etc. For more information, or to schedule a presentation, contact the BNC at 512-479-4610, Ext 254.

Week 4

Poverty Question: Who is hungry and who is feeding the hungry?

Call to Action: Please attend the Faith Community Poverty Roundtable, February 13, 10:00 a.m., at the Mexican American Cultural Center. This year the discussion will focus on food availability and accessibility, and what the faith community can do to collaboratively meet critical shortages.