A regional poverty plan is being developed, building on strategies being implemented in Port Alberni.
Marcie DeWitt is the coordinator for the Alberni-Clayoquot Health Network, and has made presentations to both Port Alberni city council and the ACRD board of directors this week.
She said fighting poverty is not just about job creation and economic development initiatives, as research shows housing, food security, and access to health services have a greater impact on the reduction of poverty.
DeWitt said the goal at this point is to get local leaders to support the poverty protocol, and move it from theory to practice.
City staff will prepare a letter of endorsement for the project, while the ACRD directors have asked for more time to consider their support of the initiative.
