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Basic Needs & Economic Security <br />In general, Boulder County residents experience a very good quality of life, but a significant number of residents in <br />our community don't have their basic needs met. In 2015, 14.2% (41,412) of county residents lived on less than 100% <br />of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income, including 19,996 of those residents living at or below 50% FPL. Combined <br />with steadily -increasing housing, healthcare, and childcare costs, some individuals and families are struggling to <br />afford even the barest of basics. <br />With the right support, vulnerable families and individuals can create a path to a more stable future. Worthy Cause <br />has supported nonprofits that directly assist these county residents and their families to receive the right help at the <br />right time, and to strengthen their economic security and overall well-being, in areas including: <br />1 <br />• <br />Employment: For county residents who are able to work, a new or better job can help <br />them reach and sustain economic self-sufficiency. Worthy Cause III has helped agencies <br />that offer various types of employment assistance such as on-the-job training and skill <br />building, referrals to Workforce Boulder County, and financial support for childcare so <br />that working parents can pursue careers and/or education. <br />Mobility & Transportation: Some county residents don't have a personal vehicle or <br />other reliable transportation to get to and from work, school, medical appointments, <br />or other necessary services. Some residents are not able to operate a vehicle due to <br />aging, physical disability, or other considerations. Worthy Cause III funding has helped <br />families and individuals secure reliable transportation that allows them to meet their <br />daily needs. <br />Immigrant Services & English Language Learning: Language barriers can factor <br />into economic challenges, including the ability to thrive in school or excel at a job <br />interview. Also, new community members can benefit greatly by networking at events <br />or gatherings, making key connections that can help build community, provide family <br />support, and may even lead to employment opportunities. <br />Food Security: In Boulder County, 17% of children and 14% of adults are considered <br />food insecure - meaning they don't have access to enough food to support a healthy life. <br />Hunger or improper nutrition affects health, and one's ability to work, study, or handle <br />the stresses of daily life. Agencies which link people to food assistance benefits, food <br />banks, and direct financial assistance help to ensure that families can meet this most <br />basic of needs. <br />Comprehensive Self -Sufficiency Services: Worthy Cause has supported efforts to <br />provide a holistic approach to helping families move toward self-sufficiency. Boulder <br />County's network of nonprofits plays a major role in this goal by unifying community <br />resources and making it easier for families to navigate multiple systems. Collaboration <br />and partnership are key requirements within the Worthy Cause application process, <br />which has supported the development of stronger relationships among agencies that <br />provide various services to individuals and families in need. <br />3 Boulder County Worthy Cause III <br />8 <br />