As Childhood Poverty Rates Rise, Outpace Poverty 5K Seeks to Reduce Effects in Community

KANSAS CITY, MO – More than one in five school-age children in the U.S. live below the poverty line, according to the latest Department of Education report. In Missouri, that’s nearly 22 percent of children under 18.

In an effort to fight poverty in our community, hundreds of people will join Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph for Outpace Poverty on Saturday, June 20, on the north lawn at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The 5K event begins at 8:00 a.m.

“We’re working to break the cycle of generational poverty that holds children and families back from being self-sufficient and successful,” said CEO Deacon Dan Powers. “When people are hungry or can’t pay for a roof over their heads, it’s hard to move forward. We work to stabilize people first, and then offer services that move them out of poverty – permanently.”

Catholic Charities serves about 72,000 people a year at their times of greatest need. After meeting their urgent needs for food, clothing and shelter, case managers work with clients to find long-term solutions through workforce development, financial education and parenting support.

A 2014 report on poverty in Missouri revealed: •The state’s overall poverty rate is 19.9% — ranking Missouri 28th in the nation. •Nearly 22% of children under 18 live in poverty. •Over 40% of low-income families in poverty are led by single mothers who work.

The goal of Outpace Poverty is to raise $175,000 to provide hope-filled care and services in Kansas City and Northwest Missouri.

The family-friendly walk circles the grounds of the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. The walk starts at 8 a.m., followed by a finish line festival with appearances by the Royals’ Sluggerrr and Chiefs’ KC Wolf, music, food, face painting and a visit from the Kansas City Mobile Zoo.

For more information, visit www.outpacepoverty.org