1 of 1

Poverty on Prospect

By: Antoine Maiden & Kiante

OVERVIEW

Cleveland continues to face severe, multigenerational poverty, with high burdens on children, seniors, and racial minorities. Despite modest income gains, systemic challenges like housing shortages, racial inequality, and concentrated neighborhood poverty persist. . Education, particularly for girls, is a key factor in reducing poverty. Speaking of children, UNESCO reports that if all students in low-income countries had just basic literacy skills. Nearly 31% of its residents living below the poverty line.

Campbell, E. (2024, September 16). Cleveland’s population is steady, older adult poverty continues to grow. Community Solutions.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

This issue is serious because it deprives people of essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education, resulting in suffering, poor health, and restricted opportunities. It also deepens inequality, drives social instability, and wastes human potential, making it a global concern. In places like Cleveland, Ohio, the decline of manufacturing has led to widespread job loss and economic hardship, further worsening the situation.

OBJECTIVES

  • Get involved in local organizing, mutual aid, or activism especially since those who experience poverty first hand often lead the most effective grassroots movements.
  • Pursue well-being through movement, meditation, support groups, or healthy eating with limited resources (community gardens, food pantries, etc.)
  • Simplify access to SNAP, TANF, WIC, and unemployment benefits.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Thank you for your investment in our Youth Leaders: City of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University Sears think[box]; DigitalC; RPM International Inc.; CHN Housing Partners; Ratner Family Foundation; Youth Opportunities Unlimited; Cleveland EMS; The Vanguards of Cleveland & Cleveland Fire; Kimberly Inthavong of Seven Ways To Live; Mary Nazimiec; Kevin Ringer; and Tasty Treasures.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

  • Expand access to affordable housing through targeted investment, development incentives, and housing assistance programs
  • Increase funding to local food banks like the Greater Cleveland Food Bank
  • Advocate for living wages and equitable labor practices across Ohio, ensuring that all workers can meet their basic needs and build financial stability.

SPECIAL THANKS

  • OWF (Ohio Works First) provides time-limited cash benefits and supportive to low-income families with children
  • Nearly 31% of Cleveland residents are living below the poverty line.
  • The child poverty rate is over 48% in 2025.
  • Lower life expectancy in poor ZIP codes compared to wealthier ones
  • Ohio is among one of the poorest states in America

SOURCES