(January 23, 2025 – Reno, Nev.) — January marks Poverty Awareness Month and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) is bringing light to the widespread and complex issue of poverty that affects millions of individuals and families across the nation. Approximately 12.5% of Washoe County residents live at the poverty level; the 2024 federal poverty level (FPL) for Nevada is $15,060 for an individual and $25,820 for a family of three.
“Poverty Awareness Month provides us with the opportunity to bring attention to the challenges of the many faces of poverty and to demonstrate that poverty does not look the same for everyone,” said Marie Baxter, CEO of CCNN. “It’s our responsibility as a community to address these challenges with compassion and systemic change.”
Poverty wears many faces and manifests in numerous ways:
· Economic Poverty: Many families struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, food, and healthcare, even while working multiple jobs.
· Educational Poverty: Limited access to quality education and resources perpetuates cycles of poverty, especially in underserved communities.
· Food Insecurity: Hunger remains a daily reality for millions, with a lack of access to nutritious food leading to long-term health and developmental challenges.
· Health Poverty: The inability to afford medical care or mental health support exacerbates physical and emotional hardships.
· Generational Poverty: Cycles of poverty persist across generations, limiting opportunities for upward mobility.
· Homelessness: Families and individuals experiencing homelessness face increased vulnerability and barriers to stability.
As the largest human services agency in the region, CCNN offers a range of programs to address the most basic unmet human needs alongside their Elevating Families program which strives to break the cycle of generational poverty.
“Many of our clients’ initial interactions with CCNN are for food assistance, which provides us with the opportunity to identify other areas where they could benefit from our wraparound services, helping them move toward independence,” added Baxter.
This Poverty Awareness Month, CCNN commits to working with local and statewide elected leaders to advocate for policies and programs aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. The organization invites individuals, businesses, and community leaders to join them by:
· Learning: Educate yourself about the diverse experiences of poverty through local events and resources.
· Advocating: Support policies and programs aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.
· Acting: Volunteer, donate, or partner with organizations working to uplift individuals and families in need.
Through collective efforts, we can shine a light on the many faces of poverty and work toward creating a future where no one is left behind.
About Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada:
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, Established in 1941, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) is a Nevada-based, 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation operating human service programs including: St. Vincent’s Dining Room, St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, St. Marguerite’s Support Services, Battle Born Housing Plus, Immigration Legal Services and others. CCNN is committed to providing help and creating hope in our community. From infants to seniors, CCNN assists approximately 40,000 people per month in northern Nevada.
Media Contact:
Tiffany East
775-250-8092
