Douglas County Anti-Poverty Strategies Focused on Sustainable Development Goals

photo by: Journal-World

The west side of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

Overview of Anti-Poverty Initiatives Aligned with SDGs

Douglas County commissioners are set to review multi-year strategies aimed at combating poverty, with a particular emphasis on supporting low-income single mothers. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Its Focus Areas

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) serves as a strategic framework for enhancing community health and well-being from 2025 to 2029. The plan includes six focus areas:

1. Access to health services
2. Anti-poverty initiatives
3. Behavioral health
4. Birth outcomes
5. Food security
6. Housing through the ‘A Place for Everyone’ initiative to end chronic homelessness

Douglas County and United Way of Kaw Valley co-convene the anti-poverty focus area, with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health supporting assessment and planning.

Targeting Single Female-Headed Households Below the ALICE Threshold

The CHIP’s anti-poverty work group emphasizes assistance for single mothers living below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These households earn above the federal poverty level but below the basic cost of living, making them vulnerable to economic instability.

• 64% of single female-headed households in Douglas County fall below the ALICE threshold.
• The goal is to reduce this figure to 50% in the coming years.

Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

To support economic well-being, county commissioners have approved the use of external grant funds to explore a guaranteed income pilot for low-income single mothers. This pilot, proposed in the CHIP, aims to:

• Identify opportunities to improve financial stability for vulnerable families.
• Operate without using tax revenue or grant funds for program implementation.

Economic and Employment Landscape for Women

The presentation highlights the top 12 industries employing women in Douglas County, including:

• Restaurants
• Scientific and technical consulting services
• Individual and family services
• Offices of dentists and physicians

Most of these industries provide incomes above the federal poverty line but below the ALICE threshold, indicating a need for targeted economic support consistent with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Childcare Capacity and Support Strategies

Childcare availability is a critical factor affecting economic participation. Current capacity meets only 43% of demand, with an estimated 2,985 additional childcare spots needed in Douglas County.

The CHIP outlines a strategy to establish a community childcare scholarship fund that covers up to one-third of childcare costs for children under six whose parents are working, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Youth and Educator-Led Coalition

The poverty work group proposes forming a coalition led by youth and educators to connect students with career and apprenticeship opportunities, further advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Upcoming County Commission Meeting

Douglas County commissioners will receive this presentation and new data ahead of the county’s budget process, which begins later this month. No immediate action is requested during the meeting.

Additional Business Items

• Discussion of an evaluation of Consolidated Fire District #1 by Emergency Services Consulting International (ESCI), assessing organizational structure, operational practices, and service delivery.
• Consideration of authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages at the 2025 Douglas County Fair, scheduled for July 29 to August 2 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Meeting Details

The County Commission’s work session will commence at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Douglas County Commission meeting room at 1100 Massachusetts St., followed by the business meeting at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article focuses on combating poverty, especially among low-income single mothers and single female-headed households.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) aims to improve health and well-being, including behavioral health and birth outcomes.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – The proposal to create a youth and educator-led coalition to connect students with career and apprenticeship opportunities relates to education and skills development.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The focus on supporting single female-headed households and addressing economic disparities highlights gender equality issues.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The guaranteed income pilot and focus on employment sectors for women relate to promoting decent work and economic well-being.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Efforts to support households below the ALICE threshold and reduce poverty contribute to reducing inequalities.
7. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The joint initiative ‘A Place for Everyone’ to end chronic homelessness connects to sustainable community development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities.
   • Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
7. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Percentage of single female-headed households below the ALICE threshold – The article states that currently 64% fall below this threshold, with a goal to reduce it to 50%.
2. Childcare capacity versus demand – The current childcare capacity meets only 43% of demand; the number of childcare spots needed (2,985) is a measurable indicator.
3. Employment and income levels in top industries for women – Monthly earnings relative to the federal poverty line and ALICE threshold provide indicators of economic well-being.
4. Implementation and outcomes of the guaranteed income pilot – Although not yet implemented, the pilot’s success could be measured by improvements in economic security for low-income single mothers.
5. Access to career and apprenticeship programs – The formation of a youth and educator-led coalition and participation rates could serve as indicators.
6. Reduction in chronic homelessness – Part of the ‘A Place for Everyone’ initiative, progress can be tracked by homelessness statistics.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: www2.ljworld.com