Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy Background

In October 2021, staff received Council approval to develop a:

• Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy
• New approach for Niagara Prosperity Initiative investments

A Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy meets the recommendations put forth in the Connecting the Pieces: An Evaluation of the Niagara Prosperity Initiative report by Brock University and Niagara's Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.

The development of the strategy and new approach includes consistent engagement of participating parties who have common agendas in eliminating poverty in Niagara.

Benefits

A Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy has many benefits for Niagara residents, service providers and decision makers. A strategy can:

• Establish a better coordinated approach to reduce poverty and avoid duplication
• Improve communication and collaboration between service providers, organizations and decision makers
• Help to better meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents
• Emphasize equity and the unique experience of poverty for different population groups

Next steps

To move this strategy forward, we'll need input from various groups, including:

• People with lived experience
• Indigenous communities
• Residents
• Government representatives, funders and businesses
• Health care and educational institutions
• Non-profits, service clubs and associations

During implementation, these groups will have the opportunity to identify their role in helping to end poverty.

We invite you to join us on this journey and share your commitment to change. To learn more about how you can get involved or offer your skills, email Poverty Reduction Strategy.