After a series of community discussions in 2012 and 2013, the following priorities have been identified as being critical to reducing poverty in Red Deer:
- Define and creatively show the face of poverty in Red Deer and Central Alberta.
- Affected Populations: Research shows that those affected most by poverty are women, people with disabilities, aboriginals, and recent immigrants. Age-ism is an area of discrimination that can also lead to poverty.
- Supports for Lone Parent Families: The breakdown of marriages/relationships can lead families to experience poverty. Statistically in Red Deer, lone parent families headed by a female earn approximately $30,000 less per year than lone parent families headed by a male (2006).
- Multi-Sectoral Recruitment: The voices of government, businesses, the voluntary sector and people currently experiencing poverty are necessary to a poverty reduction initiative. Individuals are needed to contribute to the conversation and ensure that Central Alberta is a vibrant community for all.
To learn more about our action committees, click on the links provided.
Financial literacy
Financial Literacy is a tool that can be offered to individuals which may aid them in preventing, or escaping the cycle of poverty. While some programs exist, there may be barriers to accessing them. The CAPRA Financial Literacy Committee works to ensure these programs and tools are available for all citizens.
Living Wage
The minimum wage is not enough income for individuals and families to earn, in order to keep up with rising costs of living. A place based living wage determined through research is necessary to assist with these rising costs. To read the Living Wage report for Red Deer and Central Alberta go to our Publications & Resources page.
Literacy
Research shows that children who have not “caught up” on their reading skills by the end of Grade three are more likely to experience poverty in their adult life. Early literacy will prevent poverty. While many programs exist and schools work diligently on this issue, the CAPRA Literacy Action Committee explores additional ways that the community can enhance literacy for all individuals.
Food Security
Food Security is about all people having access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. CAPRA is committed to improving the availability, access and use of food in Central Alberta.
Affordable Transportation
Convene a conversation on affordable transportation – Affordable transportation is an asset that will aid many individuals out of the cycle of poverty. CAPRA works with transportation providers to determine a community strategy, which will enable low-income earners, individuals and families to get to work, school or anywhere else they need to go at an affordable rate. Thanks to the Leadership Group Excel, our community has a recent report – 2014 The Movement Towards Transportation Equality that explores the challenges and opportunities.
