JANESVILLE — The Janesville City Council has given the OK to form a Janesville Poverty Coalition to better serve low-income residents.
Kathy Voskuil and former council member Amy Loasching spearheaded the idea.
Voskuil noted at a recent meeting that many resources are available in the community, and she thanked people who give selflessly to struggling individuals and families.
"Yet, when it's all said and done, more can and should be done to address the number of families and individuals that are being impacted in poverty," Voskuil said.
Voskuil listed three council objectives:
-- Continue sensitivity to the needs of the city's lower income population in making policy decisions. The council, for instance, recently delayed an increase in bus fares and made free bus rides available to non-profit groups.
-- Increase awareness and sensitivity.
-- Encourage a broader discussion of poverty.
The council must foster local leadership and find ways to better connect city services, to expand outreach and to play a more aggressive role so people have the tools and support they need, Voskuil said.
The coalition would be an advocate for the poor, engage the community and mobilize resources to eliminate poverty in Janesville.
Council member Amy Loasching said: "We can't ignore what's happening right here in our hometown, and we have to address our issues of poverty before we can start to rebuild our community."
Voskuil asked staff to write a resolution creating a Janesville Poverty Coalition involving other city resources.
Council member George Brunner said he would support such a resolution. Many people in Janesville live at poverty level and are struggling, and many of those families have young children, he said.
Council member Yuri Rashkin said it's important that those living in poverty do not fall off the council's radar screen.
A resolution likely will return to the council at the Monday, May 11, meeting.