About the Data: Percent of Population Below Federal Poverty Level

Data Description

Data Source(s):
American Community Survey (ACS) Census - Variable: Population whose income in the past 12 months is below the federal poverty level.

Used on Prior EBCI THIP:
No

Measure Definition:
Percent of the population below the federal poverty level:
(Number of individuals whose income in the past 12 months is below the federal poverty level / Total population for whom poverty status is determined).

Baseline (Annual):
2018: 20.2%

Target:
19.19%

Target-Setting Method:
5% improvement from the baseline.

Annual Data Overview

Numerator Details:

Population whose income in the past 12 months is below the federal poverty level for EBCI Tribal Lands Census Tracts.

Denominator Details:

Total population for whom poverty status is determined for the Eastern Cherokee Reservation, NC.

Comparable National Data:

NC Federal Poverty Level and US Federal Poverty Level (specific comparisons not provided in the data).

Data Collection Frequency:

Annual

Story Behind the Curve

Efforts to reduce the percentage of the EBCI population below the federal poverty level achieved measurable success in 2019 and 2020, with poverty levels dropping below the baseline of 20.2%. However, 2021 and 2022 saw a rise in poverty rates, likely due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including economic challenges and reduced employment opportunities.

The introduction of a $15.00 minimum wage for tribal employees in 2022 was a major step forward, directly addressing income disparities and supporting the goal of reducing poverty. Additionally, a survey to evaluate wages in the private sector was developed to inform future advocacy for wage increases across all employment sectors within the Qualla Boundary.

Community awareness campaigns, including a Medicaid Eligibility Education Media Campaign, aimed to provide resources to individuals and families struggling with poverty, ensuring they could access healthcare and other benefits.

Citation:

U.S. Census Bureau. "POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS." American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1701, 2018, https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2018.S1701?g=2500000US0990. Accessed on October 16, 2024.

Partners

Efforts to reduce poverty levels involved collaboration among various tribal and community partners, including:

• THIP SEEF Workgroup: Led the implementation of strategies and tracked progress toward poverty reduction goals.
• EBCI Public Health and Human Services (PHHS): Assisted with data collection, survey development, and community outreach.
• EBCI Tribal Option (TO): Supported advocacy efforts, particularly the $15.00 minimum wage initiative.
• Office of Budget and Finance: Partnered on the advocacy campaign for wage improvements.
• Tribal Public Relations: Developed culturally tailored media campaigns to educate the community about Medicaid eligibility and other resources.

What Worked

1. Tribal Minimum Wage Increase:
   The successful implementation of a $15.00 minimum wage for tribal employees in 2022 directly addressed income inequality and provided economic stability for many households.

2. Survey of Private Sector Wages:
   A survey of local private sector wages provided valuable insights into existing disparities, laying the groundwork for future advocacy.

3. Medicaid Education Campaign:
   A culturally sensitive campaign informed community members about Medicaid eligibility, increasing access to healthcare resources for those in need.

4. Collaborative Efforts:
   The involvement of diverse stakeholders, from PHHS staff to tribal leaders, ensured that initiatives were comprehensive and aligned with community needs.

Strategy

The strategies employed under the THIP SEEF Workgroup to reduce the percentage of the population below the federal poverty level included:

1. Advocacy for Wage Increases:

   • Implemented a $15.00 minimum wage for tribal employees.
   • Developed and facilitated a survey to evaluate wages in the private sector, focusing on fast food, restaurants, motels, and grocery stores.

2. Community Awareness Campaigns:

   • Partnered with NC DHHS and other stakeholders to release a Medicaid Eligibility Education Media Campaign.
   • Ensured public service announcements (PSAs) were culturally sensitive and provided tribal-specific contact information.

3. Data-Driven Approaches:

   • Utilized data from the ACS Census and tribal surveys to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
   • Worked with the Office of Budget and Finance to develop targeted advocacy campaigns.

These strategies, rooted in collaboration, education, and advocacy, have provided a foundation for addressing poverty within the EBCI community.