Did You Know That:
- In 2010, number of families classified as poor: 9.2 million or 11.7 percent
- In 2009, number of families classified as poor: 8.8 million or 11.1 percent
- In the spring of 2011, number of young adults (aged 25-34) living with their parents: 5.9 million
- Before the economic recession, number of young adults living with their parents: 4.7 million
- In 2010, children younger than 18 classified as poor:16.4 million or 22 percent
- In 2009, children younger than 18 classified as poor:15.5 million or 20.8 percent
Source: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, U.S. Census Bureau, September 2011
11%* of Poweshiek County (the county in which Grinnell College is located) residents are living below the federal poverty level? This means over 2,000 individuals in our county face grueling daily decisions such as:
-Whether they should use this paycheck for food, rent, or utilities
-How long they can wait before seeking important, but expensive, medical care
-Where to find enough money for a rental deposit and utility deposit when seeking new housing
-How to buy clothing, diapers, and school supplies for their children
-How to find and start a job without transportation to and from the place of employment
Think about it: What would you prioritize if you were the head of a 3-person household and your income was below $386/week?
How the Grinnell College community can help
-Volunteer at Mid-Iowa Community Action, a non-profit in Grinnell focused specifically on serving low-income families in Poweshiek County. We need food pantry organizers, childcare providers, Spanish-English translators, grant writers, and more!
-Give back to the community when you are able.
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Go to Community Meal on Tuesday nights, and pay generously for your portion.
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Donate unwanted clothing and furniture to Second Mile.
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Join student organizations such as the Drake Library Tutors, Social Justice Action Group, and Social Entrepreneurs of Grinnell.
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Educate your peers about local issues.
*Census data averaged across 2006-2010. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19157.html
Information Submittted by Allison Brinkhorst ’11 who graduated from Grinnell College with a double major in Sociology and Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies. She is now the Grinnell Corps Fellow at Mid-Iowa Community Action, a non-profit that serves low-income families in and around Grinnell. As part of this one-year position, her roles include Spanish translator, family development specialist for Project Home Mission, and volunteer coordinator.
Contact Information:
Allison Brinkhorst
Grinnell Corps Fellow
Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc.
611 4th Avenue
Grinnell, IA 50112
641-236-3923
