Poverty Reduction Initiatives
In Northwest Michigan

The Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI) is a community-driven, collaborative effort to reduce poverty in the Traverse Bay region by 25% by 2010. The program was born out of the Poverty Summit, held in February 2004, in which 225 area residents joined together to address the issue of poverty in our area. Poverty Reduction Initiative consists of representatives from local businesses, public and government agencies, and concerned citizens. Working subcommittees focus on five strategic directions: Navigators, Mentoring, Education, Advocacy, and Communications.

In 2009, Char Em Poverty Reduction Initiative was formed and the PRI mission statement was developed. Michigan State University Extension took a leadership role and received a United Way grant to create the Money Mentor program and to run poverty simulations in the area.