Poverty In Watertown City School District Part 2

https://youtu.be/L2hzRPLVSm4 Faces of Poverty https://youtu.be/L2hzRPLVSm4

Causes and conditions of Poverty A condition of poverty is defined as a “negative environmental, safety, health and/or economic condition that may reduce investment or growth in communities where low-income individuals live.” Dr. Ruby Payne includes the following as causes of poverty: individual behaviors and circumstances, community conditions, exploitation and political / economic structures Specific conditions of poverty in Jefferson County include: being unemployed or underemployed, lacking access to transportation, lacking access to affordable housing, unable to maintain homes (minor repairs), and unable to maintain financial stability.

Jefferson County Housing Profile The expansion of Fort Drum created a housing shortage and significant increases in rent. As a result, many low-income families were displaced to rural communities, substandard housing or were forced to live with friends or family members. the fair market rental value for 2 bedrooms is $1,087, $134 more than the statewide fair market rental value. a household must earn $20.19 an hour in order to afford the fair market rental for a 2 bedroom in the accepted limit of 30% of income toward housing costs. (The National Low-Income Housing Coalition)

Jefferson County Food Profile Families who live in or near Poverty struggle to purchase healthy food options which tend to be more costly than prepared and processed foods. There are 18 food pantries in Jefferson County. Pantries are accessible and well used. Most rely on donations from the community, and while greatly appreciated, food donations often largely consist of prepackaged nonperishable items that tend to be higher in sodium, fat and preservatives.

Jefferson County Food Profile Get involved by donating to the WHS Food For Families Program, boxes are available in classrooms for students to donate and clubs and organizations can volunteer as a group to help too.