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Image by Peter Pryharski

More than 38,000 Jefferson County residents are living in poverty.

Generational Poverty

Generational poverty is defined as families who have lived in poverty for at least two generations, meaning children of parents in poverty are more likely to grow up to live in poverty themselves.

Generational Poverty
Image by Peter Pryharski

Cost of Poverty to our Community​​

 $1 TRILLION ANNUALLY​

Child poverty costs the US $1 trillion annually, with welfare costs around $500 billion​​.

$343,453 PER CHILD​

It costs Colorado $343,453 per kid who ages out of foster care.​​

ONLY 16% ESCAPE POVERTY​

Only 16% of children are able to escape poverty, further perpetuating the cycle of generational poverty.​

Source: Monica Privette-Black. “Intergenerational Poverty in the United States.” Ballard Brief. May 2021. www.ballardbrief.org.​

Poverty's Impact on Education 

ONLY 11% FIRST-GEN STUDENTS EARN A

4-YEAR DEGREE​

1 IN 10 LOW-INCOME STUDENTS DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL​

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATES LIVE

9 YEARS LONGER​

Compared to 55% of their higher-income peers.​​

Compared to only 1 in 100 students from higher-income families.​​

Compared to those without a high school diploma.​​

Source: Monica Privette-Black. “Intergenerational Poverty in the United States.” Ballard Brief. May 2021. www.ballardbrief.org.​

Image by Ally Wagner

To meet basic needs in Colorado a single parent of two children needs to earn:​

$40.63 HOURLY​

$7,151 MONTHLY​

 

$85,811 ANNUALLY​

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At Colorado's minimum wage ($13.56), a single parent would need to work 104 hours per week to meet the family’s basic costs of living.​

104 HOURS PER WEEK

Source: Colorado Center on Law and Policy, The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Colorado 2022 Report​

Today 1 out of 10 Colorado residents live in poverty.

Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a measure of income issued every year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Federal poverty levels are used to determine your eligibility for certain programs and benefits, including savings on Marketplace health insurance, and Medicaid and CHIP coverage.

For individuals.........$14,580

For a family of 2.......$19,720

For a family of 3.......$24,860

For a family of 4.......$30,000

2023 FPL Guidlines:

Source: Federal Poverty Guidelines, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Federal Poverty Guidelines
JPP

Jeffco Prosperity Partners

At the forefront of our efforts to combat poverty is our JPP program. Through JPP, we bring together the strength and support of the community, families, and project partners to collaboratively seek and implement effective solutions.

Resources & Assistance

Making ends meet can be hard and everyone could use some help from time to time. If you need assistance with food, finding a job, or other support, and are not sure where to turn, Jeffco community partners can help. For a full list of resources visit the Jeffco Community Resources Page.

Food
Housing
Employment
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