February Is North American Inclusion Month!

As we celebrate North American Inclusion Month, it is important to recognize the economic hardships people with disabilities face in the United States. According to the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), the poverty rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of people without disabilities, with 25% of disabled people considered poor in 2020 compared to just over 9% for those without disabilities. This disparity is not only felt in poverty rates, but also in food insecurity. People with disabilities are three times as likely to experience food insecurity, and about half of the people who use homeless shelters report having some form of either physical or psychiatric disability.

The situation is dire for disabled people who are also members of racial minority groups. According to 2021 SPM data, disabled minorities are five times as likely to wind up in poverty. This is why organizations like Arlington Thrive are so important.

In 2021, Arlington Thrive provided $5.9 million in financial assistance to 312 individuals who identified as disabled in our community. Of that $5.9 million, the vast majority went to rental payments and other costs associated with keeping people housed. By providing financial assistance to disabled individuals, Arlington Thrive is helping to reduce the poverty rate and food insecurity faced by disabled people.

At Arlington Thrive, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind and that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to thrive. We are proud to help reduce poverty and food insecurity for disabled individuals in our community.