The Poverty Team is focused on improving opportunities for low-income community members and assisting the working poor transition from the poverty income level to at least 200% of the poverty income level.
Sub-teams The Poverty team has three sub-teams, Housing, Social Capital, and Transportation. The Social Capital team is taking a brief pause to combine efforts with the newly formed Transportation Team to support issues related to the Trolley closure. Recent Successes: The housing team built a tiny home duplex that is rented out and managed by Catholic Charities. The Social Capital Team hosted a poverty simulation with 80+ participants from the community.
2023 Goals: Housing Sub-team:
Increase housing opportunities for low-income rentals and ownership.
Explore the potential for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in the Joplin area.
Formulate plan for 2nd JUMP duplex.
Officially kick off Rent Smart renter education.
Transportation Sub-team
Increase transportation opportunities in the community
Social Capital Sub-team:
Increase opportunities to connect potential mentors to organizations seeking volunteers, offer at least one event per year. Include follow-up strategies after events, and encourage organizations to reach out.
Decrease the number of community members receiving TANF services on a 12-month average (eligible to work but not working) in Jasper County through connection with Bridges, case management services, life skills classes, and mentors.
Meeting The Poverty Team meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10-11:30am. The meeting format consists of all team discussion, break-out time for sub-team work, sub-team report back, and then Agency information sharing of pressing information.
Leadership:
Barbie Huff, Team Co-chair Rebecca Wuerdeman, Team Co-chair Sub-team Chairs: Transportation: Emily Williams & Kathy Mason Social Capital: Jay Sinclair Housing: Dan King For more information contact: Nicole Brown - One Joplin - Director@OneJoplin.com - 417-726-9123 (office cell)