Newsmakers: IOCP Says Housing a Big Factor in Suburban Poverty

Each year, Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP) brings awareness and raises funds through The Sleep Out.

“The Sleep Out is a really important season for our agency and really for the whole community that we serve. It’s a time when people get intentional about seeing the needs in the community related to poverty, needs that are easy to not see in a suburban setting and the role of housing in that,” said Wendy Geving, IOCP program director. “Through the years people have slept out in the cold to raise awareness and raise money, so hence the name The Sleep Out.”

Geving says that nine percent of households in IOCP’s service area live below the poverty line, with many families spending over 60 percent of their income on housing.

“Imagine that. If you are paying over 60 percent, what has to happen to make that work?” said Geving.”The housing market is the most destabilizating factor for families.”

Geving says the people who use IOCP’s services average a salary of $28,000 annually, which leaves families in a very vulnerable place.

Last year, IOCP prevented homelessness 511 times through crisis services and partnerships.

Landon Koster (left) and Myles Castleberry participate in The Sleep Out for IOCP.

See also:  Plymouth Area Teens Sleep Outside for a Month for Charity

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