Understanding Poverty

Poverty is about more than income. It can affect a person’s ability to access housing, food, transportation, education, employment, health care, social connections, and opportunities to participate fully in community life.

The experience of poverty looks different for everyone. Poverty is not always visible, and experiences of poverty are shaped by many factors, including age, disability, family structure, discrimination, geography, and access to resources and support.

Poverty Is a Community Issue

Poverty affects individuals, families, and communities. Creating lasting change requires collaboration among community members, people with lived and living experience, organizations, businesses, service providers, and governments.

By working together, we can help reduce barriers, increase opportunities, and build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

To learn more about poverty in Elgin St. Thomas, explore our Local Data and Local Resources pages.