McDowell County, West Virginia, birthplace of food stamps, faces a disappearing safety net

Guno צְבִי

We fight, We win, Am Yisrael Chai
For nonprofits in McDowell County, West Virginia, the federal cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act threaten a lifeline.

Many of McDowell’s 17,000 residents rely on federal programs and the nonprofits they fund to get by. The county’s tax base and population have significantly declined since 1950, when McDowell was the top coal-producing county in the nation and had about 100,000 residents.

Now, more than half the children in the county receive federal Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, and about one-third of seniors are on Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for the poor. Decades after the Kennedy administration made the county a first test of food stamps, nearly half the county’s residents receive supplemental nutrition assistance, or SNAP, the Food Stamp Program’s successor.

 
For nonprofits in McDowell County, West Virginia, the federal cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act threaten a lifeline.

Many of McDowell’s 17,000 residents rely on federal programs and the nonprofits they fund to get by. The county’s tax base and population have significantly declined since 1950, when McDowell was the top coal-producing county in the nation and had about 100,000 residents.

Now, more than half the children in the county receive federal Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, and about one-third of seniors are on Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for the poor. Decades after the Kennedy administration made the county a first test of food stamps, nearly half the county’s residents receive supplemental nutrition assistance, or SNAP, the Food Stamp Program’s successor.

Is a safety net suppose to last for 3 generations? Cradle to grave?
 
In a poor state like West Virginia, which is already facing a budget deficit and lacks the legions of philanthropic donors who got rich on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley, nonprofits don’t have a plan B, said Kathy Gentry, executive director of Safe Housing and Economic Development, or SHED, a McDowell nonprofit housing provider.

The nonprofit’s clients, many of whom are elderly or disabled, rely on U.S. Housing and Urban Development support to cover the rent at the 94 housing units SHED manages.

Gentry’s pay was temporarily cut for six weeks this spring because part of her salary comes from a HUD capacity-building grant that the administration deemed at cross-purposes with Trump’s anti-DEI policy agenda. Her full paycheck resumed, but Gentry worries further cuts will force her to lay off staff.
 
Is a safety net suppose to last for 3 generations? Cradle to grave?
Poverty stricken areas, like in West Virginia, yes, the safety is needed for generations.

 
They're refining, redesigning, revamping, and renovating the programs...long overdue...get rid of all the waste and misuse of funds and resources... and work to lift those areas out of generational poverty....
 
Poverty stricken areas, like in West Virginia, yes, the safety is needed for generations.


Poverty stricken areas, like in West Virginia


California has the highest poverty rate among all US states, with 18.9%
 
Generational poverty doesn't change unless there are steps taken to change it...
Just a little google:
"Lifting communities out of generational poverty requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and empowers individuals and families to build a better future. This involves tackling issues related to education, employment, healthcare, and housing, among others.
Here's a breakdown of some key areas and strategies:
1. Education and skill development
Improving access to quality education: Ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality education, from early childhood to higher education, is crucial. This includes addressing disparities in school funding, resources, and teacher quality.
Investing in vocational training and skills development: Providing relevant vocational training and skills development programs can equip individuals with the skills needed for gainful employment in growing industries.
Promoting financial literacy: Teaching budgeting, saving, investing, and navigating financial systems helps individuals achieve economic independence. According to Elevate New England, increased financial literacy can even reduce relative poverty.
2. Economic opportunities
Creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship: Promoting policies that encourage job creation, particularly in underserved areas, and offering support and resources for entrepreneurship are crucial.
Ensuring fair wages and labor rights: Protecting labor rights and ensuring fair wages help improve living standards for low-income workers.
Promoting economic development: Investing in local businesses, creating business-friendly policies, and investing in workforce development can stimulate economic activity and provide opportunities for residents.
3. Social and community support
Building strong social safety nets: Expanding programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid can provide crucial support for families and children.
Providing comprehensive youth development programs: Offering mentorship, academic tutoring, and extracurricular activities can encourage children and teenagers to develop their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.
Strengthening community networks and promoting social capital: Fostering collaboration and support within neighborhoods can create a sense of shared purpose and resilience.
Addressing social barriers: Addressing issues like discrimination, social exclusion, and limited social support networks can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.
4. Health and housing
Improving healthcare access: Ensuring access to affordable healthcare services, including preventative care and mental health support, is essential for individual well-being and productivity.
Providing safe and affordable housing: Stable housing conditions are fundamental for families to thrive and pursue educational and employment opportunities.
Developing infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water supply improves living conditions and facilitates access to resources and opportunities.
5. Systemic change
Addressing systemic barriers: Recognizing and addressing systemic factors like institutional constraints, historical injustices, and ingrained biases are crucial for creating lasting change.
Involving community members in decision-making: Actively involving residents in identifying needs and developing solutions ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific context and priorities of the community.
Measuring impact and adapting strategies: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of programs and adapting them based on feedback and changing circumstances are essential for success.
By combining these strategies and focusing on a holistic approach that addresses the interconnected factors contributing to poverty, communities can work towards building a brighter future for all their residents. "
 
Generational poverty doesn't change unless there are steps taken to change it...
Just a little google:
"Lifting communities out of generational poverty requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and empowers individuals and families to build a better future. This involves tackling issues related to education, employment, healthcare, and housing, among others.
Here's a breakdown of some key areas and strategies:
1. Education and skill development
Improving access to quality education: Ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality education, from early childhood to higher education, is crucial. This includes addressing disparities in school funding, resources, and teacher quality.
Investing in vocational training and skills development: Providing relevant vocational training and skills development programs can equip individuals with the skills needed for gainful employment in growing industries.
Promoting financial literacy: Teaching budgeting, saving, investing, and navigating financial systems helps individuals achieve economic independence. According to Elevate New England, increased financial literacy can even reduce relative poverty.
2. Economic opportunities
Creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship: Promoting policies that encourage job creation, particularly in underserved areas, and offering support and resources for entrepreneurship are crucial.
Ensuring fair wages and labor rights: Protecting labor rights and ensuring fair wages help improve living standards for low-income workers.
Promoting economic development: Investing in local businesses, creating business-friendly policies, and investing in workforce development can stimulate economic activity and provide opportunities for residents.
3. Social and community support
Building strong social safety nets: Expanding programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid can provide crucial support for families and children.
Providing comprehensive youth development programs: Offering mentorship, academic tutoring, and extracurricular activities can encourage children and teenagers to develop their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.
Strengthening community networks and promoting social capital: Fostering collaboration and support within neighborhoods can create a sense of shared purpose and resilience.
Addressing social barriers: Addressing issues like discrimination, social exclusion, and limited social support networks can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.
4. Health and housing
Improving healthcare access: Ensuring access to affordable healthcare services, including preventative care and mental health support, is essential for individual well-being and productivity.
Providing safe and affordable housing: Stable housing conditions are fundamental for families to thrive and pursue educational and employment opportunities.
Developing infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water supply improves living conditions and facilitates access to resources and opportunities.
5. Systemic change
Addressing systemic barriers: Recognizing and addressing systemic factors like institutional constraints, historical injustices, and ingrained biases are crucial for creating lasting change.
Involving community members in decision-making: Actively involving residents in identifying needs and developing solutions ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific context and priorities of the community.
Measuring impact and adapting strategies: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of programs and adapting them based on feedback and changing circumstances are essential for success.
By combining these strategies and focusing on a holistic approach that addresses the interconnected factors contributing to poverty, communities can work towards building a brighter future for all their residents. "
Of course no link, they are not your words phony dirtbag
 
It says right there...try a little google...;) AI Overview. Just type in what's being discussed..."Lifting communities out of generational poverty"
You're welcome...
 

Once again, California beats every other state when it comes to poverty​


CALIFORNIA VS. WEST VIRGINIA COST OF LIVING SUMMARY

California is 52% more expensive than West Virginia​

 
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