State of Poverty Report highlights growing disparities in Ohio
The recently released 2024 State of Poverty Report, published by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA), paints a stark picture of the economic challenges faced by many Ohio families, particularly in Cuyahoga County.
OACAA provided a comprehensive dashboard that measured socioeconomic indicators including poverty rate, unemployment rate, student lunch program participation, and high school graduation rates. The report revealed that Cuyahoga County, along with one other county in Ohio, reached the “Level 4” tier, indicating significant underperformance in relation to state averages.
According to OACAA, Ohio’s poverty rate remained at 13.4 percent, unchanged from the previous year. despite a national decline to 12.6 percent. The childhood poverty rate was measured at 17.7 percent.
As of 2022, Ohio had the 12th highest poverty rate in the country, widening the gap between national and state-level economic wellbeing.
Challenges facing Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County faces a particularly concerning situation. The overall poverty rate in the county reached 16.6 percent, while the child poverty rate has reached an alarming 24 percent. The county’s food insecurity rate was also high at 20.8 percent. According to the State of Poverty report, there were 42 fewer WIC-approved vendors in Cuyahoga County compared to 2015, making it more difficult for low-income families to purchase food.
Housing costs further exacerbated the problem, with nearly half of renters considered cost-burdened, meaning they spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing.
Impact of funding cuts post-COVID
The expiration of COVID-era funding has significantly affected assistance programs in Ohio. Cuyahoga County is no exception. Programs like rental assistance, which once provided vital support to low-income families, were eliminated. Additionally, funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program were drastically reduced, further straining families already facing high home management costs.
“The end of rental assistance and cuts to HEAP funding have left a void,” Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, Step Forward’s President and CEO, said. “Families are now struggling to cover basic living costs, and without these safety nets, their path to stability is even more challenging.”
These reductions came at a critical time when poverty remains a serious issue in the region. Without adequate funding, families who once relied on these safety nets are now left with few options, further deepening the cycle of poverty.
For many residents, these programs offered a lifeline, helping them avoid eviction and maintain access to basic utilities. The absence of programs laves a gap in support, undermining efforts to improve housing and financial stability for Cleveland families.
Step Forward’s response
Step Forward, Ohio’s designated anti-poverty agency for Cuyahoga County, is taking the findings seriously. Recognizing the need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions, the agency continues to address the critical issues through services such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Head Start.
“These programs are more than just services,” Chisholm explained. “These are lifelines for families trying to break the cycle of poverty.”
HEAP provides vital assistance to low-income families struggling with utility costs, ensuring they can keep their homes heated in winter and cooled in the summer. By alleviating this financial burden, families can focus on other essential needs like food, healthcare, and education.
Head Start, meanwhile, offers early childhood education, health, and nutrition services free to income-eligible families. The program not only prepares the children for kindergarten, but it provides formula and diapers to babies, and breakfast, lunch, and a snack to young children. Head Start also offers medical, dental, hearing and vision screenings at no cost to enrolled families.
“The 2024 State of Poverty Report emphasizes the urgent need for immediate relief and support for struggling families,” Chisholm said. “It highlights the importance of programs such as HEAP and Head Start. Together, these programs provide a comprehensive approach to supporting families in need.”
Looking Forward
As the 2024 State of Poverty Report highlights, the challenges facing Ohio’s low-income communities are complex and require a multi-faceted approach. Step Forward remains committed to addressing these pressing issues and advocating for solutions that will lift families out of poverty. The agency continues to work with local and state partners to ensure that Cleveland’s residents have the support they need to thrive.
“We need to ensure that our most vulnerable families have the resources they need to thrive,” Chisholm concluded. “These statistics highlight the necessity for both immediate relief and long-term solutions, and Step Forward is proud to play a part in that mission.”