Poverty Reduction Strategy
2024-2028
Working together to prevent and end poverty, and increase well-being in Niagara.
1,000+
Residents gave input
200+
Indigenous people gave input about Indigenous prosperity
100+
Content experts validated recommendations
8
Areas of focus identified by the community
Background
Poverty is unique to each person, complex with no single solution and a human rights issue. The Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy:
- Reflects concerns, opportunities and actions identified by residents
- Highlights best practice
- Leverages local knowledge to inform future action and improve local collaboration
The community spoke. We listened. Together, we developed a strategy.
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy is driven by diverse perspectives and experiences, shaped by people who are affected by poverty and often underrepresented in research. The recommendations in the strategy are supported by research.
Areas of focus and actions
The community identified eight areas of focus to address poverty in Niagara. The strategy includes a recommendation for each area of focus, along with sample actions. They also align with Council's priorities.
Early child development
Improve access to affordable, high-quality child care for families living in poverty or at risk of poverty.
2025 Progress
- Expanded EarlyON programs across Niagara
- Six per cent increase in licensed child care spaces
Employment
Promote and develop decent work opportunities that provide fair wages and benefits. Foster stable, consistent and safe employment.
2025 Progress
- 24 employers joined the Living Wage Employers list
Food security
Improve access to fresh, culturally appropriate, affordable and nutritious foods through income-based solutions to food insecurity.
2025 Progress
- More than 60,000 lbs. of recovered food distributed through shelters
Housing
Provide housing stability services for people living in poverty to maintain their current housing, prevent eviction and improve social inclusion.
2025 Progress
- 70 domestic violence survivors safely housed
- New supportive housing projects opened
Income
Increase opportunities for living wage employment in Niagara. Advocate for adequate, liveable rates from government income assistance programs.
2025 Progress
- More than 300 people connected to financial empowerment services
- More than 180 people supported with Ontario Disability Support Program applications
Indigenous well-being
Indigenous community to develop a strategy for Indigenous-specific poverty reduction initiatives.
2025 Progress
- 150 Indigenous youth connected to supports
Mental health and addiction
Enhance core service capacity. Offer a choice of timely, early recovery interventions and treatments for people who are living in poverty or at risk of poverty.
2025 Progress
- More than 30 people received rapid stabilization supports through Situation Table referrals
- Community Use Substance Strategy created
Transportation
Continue the work of Niagara Region Transit to achieve affordable and equitable access to services in the cities and towns in Niagara.
2025 Progress
- $50 monthly transit pass for low income individuals
- 338 per cent increase in transit pass sales
Progress update
5,000+ residents reached
Since being endorsed by Regional Council in 2024, the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy has been putting actions into place across the community. In its first year, programs funded through the Niagara Prosperity Initiative reached more than 5,000 residents with supports to improve access to social supports, housing, decent work opportunities, crisis stabilization, income and food security.
Niagara Region staff and the Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee will work with community leaders to implement and monitor these actions, known as the 100 Actions Workplan. This workplan is flexible and will be updated regularly based on community feedback.
How to create change
Within each area of focus, residents identified six conditions as essential to end and prevent poverty.
Service access, coordination and capacity
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Leveraging voices of lived expertise
Changing mindsets
Advocacy
Funding
Niagara Prosperity Initiative
2025-2027 Projects
Niagara Region established the Niagara Prosperity Initiative in 2008, providing an annual investment to support poverty reduction and prevention activities. Using a research-based approach that aligns with the Niagara Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Niagara Prosperity Initiative funds projects aimed at working together to prevent and end poverty and increase well-being in Niagara.
Kowaamjigewin
Indigenous Well-Being
Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board
Indigenous youth will develop a poverty reduction strategy with guidance and support from social workers to address barriers Indigenous youth face in employment and training.
Program for Addiction Treatment and Healthcare (PATH)
Mental Health and Addiction
REACH Niagara
Timely access for equity deserving populations to client-led mental health and addictions care.
Intensive Outreach Team
Mental Health and Addiction
Gateway
Clinical therapy and support for individuals struggling with acute mental health issues and addictions referred through Niagara's Situation Tables.
Bridges to Prosperity
Income and Employment
Workforce Collective
Helping people experiencing poverty achieve financial, employment and career goals.
After Care Support
Housing and Early Child Development
Birchway Niagara
Support for survivors of domestic violence and their children as they transition out of shelter.
The Bridge Food Recovery Expansion
Food Security
The Bridge
Redistributing surplus food from Niagara's tourism and restaurant industry to people facing hunger.
FEED Niagara
Food Security
Community Care West Niagara
Strengthening Niagara's food security system through better coordination of food distribution and partnerships with farmers and food producers.
