Focusing on those most in need…
 

Poverty Today

Cleveland has been among the 12 poorest cities in the country since the U.S. Census Bureau began poverty rankings by city in 2000. In 2006, Cleveland ranked 4th with a poverty rate of 27%.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2006 American Community Survey (www.census.gov)

Education Disparities

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland believes that it cannot effectively confront disparities in health and housing without addressing inter-related education needs. The Health Literacy Initiative is one strategy for addressing educational needs, and the Supportive Housing Initiative views education as a critical support for families and youth to maintain their housing.

The Foundation also seeks to develop more targeted strategies for reducing educational disparities in the Central Neighborhood of Cleveland. The Foundation will spend a large part of 2008 gathering input from the community on how and where to target its support. This is important to assuring that its investment aligns with what the community needs and to developing effective partnerships.