More Hoosiers Living In Poverty
Poverty Rate Highest Since 1993

Crown Point, IN – The United States Census Bureau released its 2010 data on poverty today, September 13th (Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage Report). Among the despairing news is that Indiana has a higher poverty rate than all of its neighboring states, except Kentucky. Additionally, Indiana Hoosiers experience the 14th highest in poverty rate in the country. 

The data collected by the Census shows that overall; the nation’s poverty rate has seen its fourth consecutive annual increase and the largest number of people living in poverty since estimates have been published.

“It’s not a lot of money; the published poverty rate in 2010 was only $18,310 for a family of three,” said Anna Schoon, Director of Development and Planning and Certified Community Action Professional. “Also, it seems to have a wide impact in that poverty for young children and young adults have increased in Indiana and nationally.”  

According to our National Community Action Partners, Community Action developed action plans that began to move 20.3 million Americans towards self-sufficiency and out of poverty.

“The news is not necessarily surprising, however it speaks to the need of Community Action Agencies and the work done in the community last year. Northwest Indiana Community Action recognizes and understands poverty and what it means for the six counties we serve particularly for the nearly 70,000 people we helped last year alone.  It is our mission to help people to be independent and advocate for those who can’t,” said Gary Olund, NWICA President/CEO.

NWICA’s 2-1-1 free and confidential Information and Assistance hotline or website www.nwi-ca.com can assist you if you’re one of the One in Six Indiana Hoosiers living in poverty.