Poverty reduction is the action of moving people out of poverty situations, rather than making their lives in poverty more comfortable. Vibrant Abbotsford collaborates with existing poverty reduction efforts while also developing new approaches, which include activities that:
- shift local attitudes towards poverty and community, including ‘us and them’ stances
- build local understanding of poverty
- remove policy and other barriers that keep people in poverty
- assist local citizens to build financial, physical, and social assets
- improve Abbotsford’s economic base
- enhance connections between people
- help all residents to feel included in Abbotsford life
As a collaborative group, Vibrant Abbotsford works with a variety of partners, including all levels of government, social and voluntary organizations, faith-based organizations, local businesses, funders, and the people of Abbotsford. Vibrant Abbotsford focuses on areas that will contribute to moving people from poverty, including
- employment and entrepreneurship
- housing
- education and personal development
- financial assets building
- social connections
- health
Concentration on these areas allows Vibrant Abbotsford to frame activities in a coordinated, targeted way, with the ultimate goal of building a more vibrant Abbotsford!
