Data Collection on Contributing Factors to Poverty – the local context Presentation to the Chilliwack Healthier Community Network Shakira Miracle, Coordinator

VIBRANT ABBOTSFORD’S MISSION To champion and implement poverty reduction strategies in Abbotsford by encouraging and facilitating collaborative efforts to reduce poverty.

Our History – it’s all about the local context Vibrant Communities Canada A network of 100 cities who are creating comprehensive poverty reduction strategies to impact the lives of 1 million Canadians living in poverty.  Launched in 2002 by Tamarack Institute, the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, and Caledon Institute of Social Policy, Vibrant Communities invited 13 cities, including Abbotsford, to build multi-sector leadership roundtables locally with the goal of reducing poverty.  The idea was that a place-based approach would move the needle on poverty. Vibrant Abbotsford Launched in 2006 by local citizens dedicated to building a more vibrant city through the reduction of poverty. We are a non-partisan group of stakeholders including municipal, business, health, community service, faith-based, and education sectors, as well as funders and population groups experiencing poverty. Vibrant Abbotsford is a member of Vibrant Communities Canada.

What are some of the contributing factors to poverty in a local context? LACK OF: Income: diversified and sustainable employment opportunities that pay living wages Housing availability & affordability: shelter for all who desire it, transitional housing that supports independence, affordable rentals, mixed use and density construction Addiction: multi-level and cross-sectional government intervention, stakeholder engagement, education and awareness Transportation: local low income transit program

Data Pertinent to Local Contributing Factors 2016 Census Data / LIM table Abbotsford and FVRD context Household Income for single, 2 people w/family Percentage of people groups living below after tax income Neighborhood Mapping Areas of highest poverty rates Availability of transportation, services, food, affordable housing Interviews: What does poverty in our community look like? Families living in cars Individuals without a shelter: seniors drug addicted without community discharged from institutions Provincial & Federal Legislation and Budgets

Why Collect Poverty Data? To Develop a Smart Plan! Upstream, measurable outcomes that lead to permanent reduction in poverty. Poverty Reduction is on a continuum. Therefore, a successful plan MUST be: cross-departmental building on infrastructure constantly seeking feedback executed by the community

Why Collect Poverty Data? To Develop a Smart Plan! Historically, a successful Poverty Reduction Plan at the local level MUST be endorsed by municipal government AND built into their budget. Cities include: Surrey New Westminster Edmonton Calgary Toronto

Why Collect Poverty Data? To Develop a Smart Plan! Municipal government is the NAVIGATOR Community members are the CAPTAIN and CREW

Questions? Thank you!