While there are many indicators of opportunity and the condition of communities, few are more important than the poverty rate. That rate–the percentage of people with incomes below the federally-defined poverty level–is a powerful tool for identifying people under the most economic duress.

As with overall poverty rates, these rates are not confined to one part of Massachusetts. High levels of child poverty exist in many parts of the state–north, south, east and west. Their existence will come as a surprise to those who think that poverty only affects a small proportion of Massachusetts residents. And their impact is widespread. Reducing child poverty below these high levels, and addressing the stresses it produces in children and their families, is critical to the Commonwealth’s long-term economic and social health.

The persistence, high levels among many populations, and multiple causes of poverty make it a daunting challenge. But all are reasons to attack it head-on. Our shared prosperity is directly linked to the meeting of everyone’s basic needs, and to
the opportunity for economic and social mobility. Reducing poverty–with the goal of ultimately eliminating it–will make a profound difference in the lives of people across Massachusetts, as well as the communities they live in.The nonprofit sector will continue to be at the forefront of that effort. Thousands of nonprofits across Massachusetts work every day to help people escape poverty, or avoid falling into its trap. Their creativity, focus on helping others, and dedication

The nonprofit sector will continue to be at the forefront of that effort. Thousands of nonprofits across Massachusetts work every day to help people escape poverty, or avoid falling into its trap. Their creativity, focus on helping others, and dedication are critical to the fight against poverty. So too are the partnerships that nonprofits have with each other, their funders, government, and business. MNN will work with leaders in all of those sectors to strengthen our collective capacity to help people and communities thrive.

Read the source article at Massachusetts Nonprofit Network