By James Boyd and Emily Thickstun, For The Times-Mail
BLOOMINGTON - Bloomington ranks fifth in the nation in terms of the highest poverty rates among cities with small to medium populations.
That result was part of a study done by the U.S. Census Bureau, and was based on data taken in 2006. It found Bloomington's poverty rate to be 34.7 percent, with about a 3 percent margin of error.
The study grouped cities with populations between 65,000 and 249,999, which Mayor Mark Kruzan says is a clear indication that the student population of Indiana University was included.
"Given that fact, the survey information's income data is skewed and would almost have to include Bloomington given the way they approach the issue," Kruzan wrote via e-mail. "The real story would be told by removing students from the equation and then test our ranking."
Kruzan said that even with the student population included, "it's important to recognize that poverty exists in our own community."
Nationally, poverty rates declined for the first time this decade, from an average rate of 12.6 percent in 2005 to 12.3 percent in 2006.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget defined poverty in 2006 as a family of four with an annual income of less than $20,614, less than $16,079 for a family of three, $13,167 for a family of two, and less than $10,294 for individuals.
Under those guidelines, a student at IU who earns less than $10,294 per year technically would be considered to be living in poverty, even for full-time students. That's why Kruzan says it's important to note that students were included in the survey.
Danise Alano, the city's economic development director, agrees. But, she says, it's important to find ways to help address the problem no matter what statistical data show.
"Our aim at the city has been less on quibbling over the parameters of what fits into the poverty definition, and more on what can we do to address and prevent it," she said.
Alano said the city is actively looking at ways to not only prevent poverty, but to provide help to pull through for those who are struggling.
"Providing those in poverty with the tools to lift themselves up requires a multifaceted approach," Alano said. She said the city is trying to use things such as affordable housing and home ownership programs, while adding quality jobs and building the capacity of social service agencies to approach both ends of the problem.
Kruzan said one of the difficulties in addressing poverty in Bloomington is the traditional view of the city that paints a vibrant, happy picture.
"Part of the problem is perception," the mayor said. "Bloomington has such an idyllic quality to it that many people might not realize the challenges that some of our fellow citizens face day-to-day. It's important that we talk about and understand the issues. Labels such as 'homeless' or 'hunger' are often oversimplified. Hunger in Bloomington isn't about starvation; it's about malnutrition. And those suffering include the working poor and an overwhelming number of schoolchildren."
Bloomington, Kruzan said, is a great place to live. But he said it's important to remember that not every city resident enjoys the experience that many others do. He encouraged residents to not only volunteer with local service agencies, but to make financial donations to those agencies that are combating poverty in the city.
Barry Lessow, United Way of Monroe County executive director, said agencies are experiencing an increased demand for services. The new Volunteers in Medicine clinic - which offers health care to low-income Monroe and Owen county residents - has surpassed its projected patient numbers.
While he was surprised to see Bloomington near the top of the census poverty rankings, Lessow said there are some underlying issues that affect community members:
Lack of full-time jobs.
Part-time jobs have lower salaries and fewer benefits.
Mismatch of educational preparation with available jobs.
Credit issues and mortgage defaults.
"Our community has been hit by some losses of traditional employers," Lessow said. "At the same time, we are building a solid base of new employers."
He hopes that will provide growth opportunities, as people in need of training take advantage of programs such as HIRE at Ivy Tech, which gives no-cost training for entry into the life sciences field.