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How U.S. Poverty could be different



Food banks / pantries could be like grocery stores

Tips could not be taxed

U.S. state government could create more affordable housing

U.S. Medicaid could be more available to those in need / have less administrative errors

Foster children could receive Social Security, death / survivorship, and/or veterans benefits rather than the state

Bus riders could have benches

Baby bonds could be started for low-income children

Colleges with big endowments could increase their incoming classes / help with student loans / enroll more students of diverse economic backgrounds

A "document locker" could help people access social benefits

The U.S. / world could have more public swimming pools / lessons

"Shallow rent subsidies" could prevent homelessness

Early college / dual enrollment programs could increase college enrollment rates

Receiving disability benefits could not require lawyers / payments

Parents could not be billed for foster care

Abandoned bikes could go to the poor / developing countries

Investors / corporations / foreign buyers could drive up home prices / rent

U.S. government block grants could be unaccountable / unable to meet needs

Food banks / food programs could offer nutritious, healthy food / education

Homeless people could have safe parking lots for RVs / vehicles

Families could be enrolled in Medicaid / social services at laundromats, hairdressers, or other public places

Poor families could be disincentivized to participate in TANF (welfare) due to child welfare investigation / requiring ex-partner child support

U.S. TANF (welfare) could have less strict eligibility / diversion requirements, time limits, non-compliance sanctions to reach families in need

The investing gap could contribute to income inequality

Foster and vulnerable children could express needs / receive funding on a website

High schools could have exercise / wellness / support / service groups afterschool

Employees could have employer-matched emergency savings accounts

Low-income people could receive legal help with trained legal navigators

The housing voucher process could streamlined and faster

Pell Grants could be increased, public universities could be more affordable, and student debt / loan practices could be reformed

Housing could be possible to obtain for those with past evictions / bad credit and motel stays could be less expensive

U.S. primary healthcare / doctor availability / Medicaid acceptance could be improved in low income areas

Finding and obtaining available affordable housing could be easier

Small business owners could have better financing opportunities than predatory cash loans

Cities / towns could have free public wifi

Native American reservation food could be less expensive

Domestic workers could have better labor conditions / rights

Schools could be more socio-economically integrated

U.S. rural schools could have better funding / improve

Rural healthcare and hospital availability could improve

Minimum balance, banking fees, accessibility / location, lack of public education / financial literacy outreach could be deterrents to financial inclusion

Financial aid offers could be clearer / easier to understand

Polluting chemical industries could be regulated and not placed in "sacrifice zones"

Low income people could have access to museums and cultural institutions

Excessive government spending could cause inflation

Zoning rules and land-use regulations could be improved for more affordable housing

Boarding housing and SROs could provide affordable housing

Youth and adults could learn important social-emotional and life skills

U.S. social welfare policy could engage fathers more

Real estate could be bought pre-foreclosure

Car/van dwellers could sleep undisturbed in designated areas

People could be able to dress for success

Filing for bankruptcy could be easier and less expensive

Child abuse versus neglect / poverty could be differentiated / treated differently

Public benefit administrative burdens / forms could be reduced / be easier to comply with

U.S. unemployment insurance could be less difficult to get

Workamping could be a retirement/way to make income

Face-to-face mediated chats could help prevent housing evictions

Libraries could eliminate fines or ask for donations

Dollar stores could offer healthier food options to consumers

Different parts of cities and homes could receive help to be decorated for the holidays

Early childhood toxic stress could lead to lifelong learning and behavior issues

U.S. hospitals, universities, and other profitable organizations could have to meet requirements to be classified as nonprofits or change into for-profit

Internships could help the long-term unemployed get back to work

At-risk youth could repair custom cars, work with horses, learn cooking / boxing / wrestling, and/or develop art / music

Renters could build equity or buy their buildings

Under-resourced students could explore creative writing

Broadband internet infrastructure could be accessible for people

U.S. social security could be means-tested, start at a later retirement age, and/or have higher taxes

School lunches could have less food waste / share excess food

Community fridges and pantries could be available

Minor crime arrests, racial and religious profiling, stop and frisk, police quotas, fines, and seizure of property could create community distrust and resentment of police

Social services could be delivered remotely / by video calling

Doulas and/or midwives could result in positive pregnancy and infant outcomes

An incubator could help low-income businesses grow

Soccer or other recreation parks could be located at public transit stops

Fines, violations, license suspensions, and increasing debts could not negatively impact the poor

Grocery stores could sell unattractive, mislabeled, or expired food at lower cost

Cities/towns could develop a city rent escrow account program, grade rental properties, create a tenants union, have training on healthy housing, and reward good landlords

Landlord-tenant laws could be more balanced to prevent evictions

Better designed websites/notifications could give legal guidance to both renters and landlords

Tenants could have easier access to legal help, right to legal counsel, and/or housing assistance

Social clubs could create community development, networking, and other positive outcomes

A single information system could be used for people seeking social / homeless / housing services

People could be trained in offering high quality childcare

Deed theft and mortgage fraud could be stopped and prevented through greater awareness

U.S. citizens could have clean, running water and plumbing

Selective U.S. universities could expand and establish satellite locations

U.S. child support could go to parents rather than the state

A two-generation / intergenerational care / whole family approach could be used in social services

Community health workers / entrepreneurs / mentors / volunteers could improve health outcomes

Black Americans / Native Americans / Chinese / Latinos / LGBTQ / women could be given reparations

The workforce system could be revamped by accurate labor market data, better website information/applications/online courses, and employer/education coordination

A classroom could be on wheels for at-risk youths and adults

"Learning landscapes" in commonly used areas / playgrounds could help boost education and literacy

U.S. dental care could be more accessible for people

Promise Neighborhoods could decrease poverty and improve educational outcomes

Community beautification could create economic development, lower crime, and raise quality of life

U.S. childcare could have better state oversight and quality standards

The supply and hours available of childcare could be improved

U.S. childcare could be easier to access for low-income familes

Buying a mobile home / renting land could be financially harmful to residents

Businesses and nonprofits could be pay-what-you-can

Schools / colleges could have hygiene and food pantries

A basic income could be only spent on certain things

A workforce "skills gap" between employers and workers could be made up

Alternatives to college could be promoted, funded, and accepted for jobs

Workers' low wages could be subsidized by the government, philanthropy, and/or the hiring organizations

Venture capital could reach entrepreneurs in diverse areas to create economic opportunities

Prisoners could receive housing vouchers, food vouchers and/or a basic income upon release to reduce recidivism

Students could cook, serve, and clean up lunch

Healthy school meals could be free for children

Farm subsidies could be used to create healthy school lunches

Cognitive Behavioral therapy could reduce crime and violence as well as improve education

Local governments could have one integrated data system and universal intake

The welfare cliff could be fixed in public benefits to not discourage work / marriage

A housing voucher program could aid poverty

Cash could be given through rental subsidies, taxes, or child savings accounts to aid poverty

Diapers / diaper banks could be available to low income families

Apps could encourage saving / budgeting as well as offer financial advice / education / rewards

Moving to jobs could be easier for low-income people

Tax-free investments could revitalize distressed economic areas

Graduation programs could be better than just giving cash to aid poverty

Mentorship programs could help at-risk youth, drug addicts, homeless, ex-offenders, potential terrorists, immigrants, refugees, new employees, and students

Businesses / nonprofits could be worker-owned cooperatives

HUD could better inspect and maintain public housing

Marriage disincentives in public benefit programs could change

Credit checks could not be used for employment decisions

Free health clinics / counseling could be available

Social worker turnover could be reduced

Native American economic development projects could be easier to implement

Native Americans could have property rights on reservations

U.S. child support could depend on a current income or be by providing child care

Employers could offer lower interest payday loans

Financial wellness / savings / loan products could be offered to employees

The post office could offer financial services

Check cashers and credit unions could form strategic alliances to reach low-income consumers

Banking products could be more available, transparent, and accessible for low-income consumers

Organizations could have open hiring practices / hire people with barriers

Digital vans could bring wifi access / computers to low-income or rural areas

Tax credits could be offered to companies to train workers

Libraries could assist people with jobs and public benefits

Emergency financial microgrants could be provided to students

Schools could have washers and dryers

Microinsurance could be offered to low-income people

Cash bail / waiting times in jail for non-violent, pretrial defendants could improve

States could not promote lotteries

Social services could be coordinated / mapped out across agencies and community organizations

Non-selective colleges, certificate, and training programs could be ranked and/or show student outcomes

Families could lead themselves out of poverty

Zero interest loans could help people build credit

Financial coaching could be integrated into existing social services

Students could be able to see at school

Job readiness skills / career development could be taught in schools

Moving to better neighborhoods could positively affect poor families

Financial literacy could be taught in high schools

Adult basic education could be achieved at work

Job training could be done by apprenticeships or internships

Health practitioners could be trained in offering Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives

Job training and education could be financed by future salaries

U.S. TANF work requirements could be improved

An online account could distribute all public benefits

Children could be encouraged to get passports and travel

Local and national social services could be searchable / applied for online

Prisoners could receive education and job training before release

Small-dollar loans could have transparent terms, be online, offer financial education, and the opportunity to build credit

Parents could be encouraged to talk more to their newborns and infants

Child support orders could be based on current income and assist with job placement/retention

The GED could lead to a high school diploma

Lotteries or prizes could encourage people to save more

Low income students could be given more information and support to apply to competitive colleges

Debit card users information could be used in credit scoring

Cash stipends could be given directly to the poor

More advisement and support could increase college graduation rates

Citizens could receive a basic / guaranteed income (with restrictions or on a EBT card)

Preschool could be part of the public education system

A landlord watchlist website could improve housing conditions

Access to childcare could be improved in low income communities

Incarceration could not be treated as "voluntary unemployment" to calculate child support arrears

Interest rates could be capped for payday loans

Children Savings Accounts could be required for every newborn or kindergartner

Employment applications could not ask about criminal history to reduce recidivism

The Nurse-Family Partnership / parent home visiting programs could be used more widely

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) could have states accountable for outcome based performance measures

All public housing could be offered through portable rental vouchers

The U.S. minimum wage could be indexed to inflation / increased