POLICY ADVOCACY
Poverty is a policy choice, not an individual failing.
We can only break cycles of poverty through serious policy change focused at the local, state, and federal levels.
Today, more than 16 percent of Americans are poor, and almost one in five children lives in poverty. Affordable housing—set at a below-market rental rate or percentage of income—is essential for low-income people to stabilize their living situations and move ahead in life.
However, subsidized housing is not sufficient on its own. Unless we demand more inclusive, holistic, people-centered approaches to policymaking, our systems will continue to fail families.
No one knows what is needed to help families move out of poverty better than the families most affected by poverty. In our policy and advocacy work, we seek to elevate the stories of our residents and further their vision of a policy landscape that centers dignity, equity, and trust. By focusing on these resident-advised policy areas, we seek to create a future in which all families can reach their goals, achieve economic mobility, and thrive.
Childcare Assistance
Read Tiyonda’s story and reimagine what’s possible when it comes to the Child Care Payment Program.
Child Tax Credit
Meet Erica and learn how expanding the Child Tax Credit can help meet the growing needs of families like hers.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Learn why Kimberly and others advocate for Earned Income Tax Credits as part of a safety net of cash-based benefits.
Guaranteed Income
Unpaid medical leave and school closures are just two of many reasons moms like Sherika and Annette benefit from guaranteed income programs.
Temporary Assistance for Families in Need
Learn from Ashala’s experience why TANF needs an overhaul to prioritize the needs of the people who could benefit from it most.
Read More About Our Policy Work
Visit our Reports & Policy Briefs page for details about The Magnolia Mother’s Trust guaranteed income program and other policy priorities.