Urban Wire

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

Eight Lessons to Break the Poverty Cycle in Communities, Two Generations at a Time

Where someone grows up and their race or ethnicity affect their economic opportunities and outcomes over the rest of their lives. This makes it more difficult for children in families with low incomes to achieve economic stability in adulthood.

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

Poverty Results from Structural Barriers, Not Personal Choices. Safety Net Programs Should Reflect That Fact.

The social safety net is fundamentally inequitable.

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

The Pandemic Is Highlighting the Safety Net’s Inability to Meet the Needs of Young People

To meet the needs of adolescents, policymakers should consider redesigning safety net policies to build on young people’s resilience, strengths, and creativity.

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

States Can Use TANF Diversion Payments to Provide Critical Support to Families in Crisis

Tracking TANF diversion programs and understanding how they operate can help policymakers ensure more families get the relief they need.

A member of the Navajo Nation receives their monthly water delivery

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

Four Ways to Improve Water Access in Navajo Nation during COVID-19

Today, more than one-third of the Navajo Nation's population lacks access to running water or indoor plumbing facilities.

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

How Social Service Agencies Can Leverage Behavioral Science as Services Go Virtual

The pandemic offers a unique opportunity to rethink our design and implementation of the social safety net.

Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Safety Net

Six Ways to Reduce Risks and Burdens for Accessing Public Assistance during the Coronavirus Outbreak

A few common sense and short-term policy and procedure changes would allow people already receiving assistance through SNAP and TANF block grant programs to continue receiving these vital services during the crisis.