United Way takes a new look at poverty in Southeastern Idaho

Poverty is one of the biggest issues Americans face every day. It is estimated that over 40 million people are currently living in poverty in the states.

But that number could actually be much higher. The way poverty is measured in America is based off a 1951 standard of living, something that doesn’t really hold up in 2018.

Seeing the need for a change, United Way took an initiative, commissioning a Rutgers University study to take a better look at the real poverty numbers in the country.

With the new data, poverty can be seen at unbelievable rates.

New data has also lead to new groupings. What was once called “the working poor” is now called ALICE; asset limited, income constrained, employed.

The rates are higher than ever before when evaluated with the results of the study, especially in Southeastern Idaho, where some counties have struggling rates of more than 55 percent.

But there is hope. By evaluating the new information, United Way believes they will be able to help more people and lower these numbers, step by step.