Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies announces release of the 2019 State of Poverty in Ohio Report

COLUMBUS (June 11, 2019) – The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA), in cooperation with Strategic Research Group (SRG), will release the 2019 State of Poverty in Ohio Report on Friday, June 14, 2019, at The Ohio Statehouse Ladies Gallery. The press conference will begin at 1:30 p.m.

For over 25 years, the State of Poverty in Ohio Report has thoughtfully researched and analyzed data to highlight obstacles Ohio families face on their journeys to becoming self-sufficient. The report combines a clear narrative, easy-to-understand infographics, and data tables to illustrate the experience of poverty in our state. By first understanding why different factors create barriers, Ohio can then create solutions to overcome those barriers.

“As a network, Community Action believes all Ohioans strive to be self-sufficient—meaning they can meet their needs without government or outside assistance,” said Philip E. Cole, executive director of OACAA. “In order for families to provide for themselves, they must be able to overcome any barriers standing in the way of reaching that goal.”

The 2019 report highlights the intersection between income, housing, and transportation. “As our research progressed, we found a strong correlation between these three factors,” said Cole. “Ohioans are faced with moving where the jobs are located, where housing is affordable, or where they can access transportation to between the two. The problem is that these important components to maintaining a stable income rarely overlap as neatly as they should.”

During the press conference, Cole and Kathleen Carr, President and Partner of SRG, will highlight the report’s finding, discuss the methodology, and answer questions. Copies of the report will be available at the press conference, as well as online immediately following.

Read Mr. Cole’s full testimony here.

Watch the press conference

The press conference, live-streamed on Facebook, is now available!

OACAA Members! Download the 2019 State of Poverty infographics from this year’s report for use on social media.

The State of Poverty in Ohio Report has been mailed to each OACAA member, as well as Ohio’s members of the U.S. Congress and the General Assembly.

Additional copies may be ordered for $5.00 each by emailing your request to kathryn@oacaa.org.