We work to develop, protect, and expand vital policies that alleviate hardship and ensure economic stability for people nationwide.
A father hugs his son in the family RV, October 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Getty/John Moore)
What We're Doing
Ensure an equitable recovery from COVID-19
The best opportunity we have to break the cycle of poverty is to make sure no one gets left behind now. To avoid a repeat of the slow recovery seen after the Great Recession, we are building support for race-conscious investments and policies that center those most affected by the pandemic.
Modernize and repair the safety net
The safety net underpins our economy, but it must provide sufficient and accessible support. We are working on ideas to address harsh restrictions in cash assistance programs while building pathways to broader access to housing, food, and other crucial supports at the state and federal level.
Reduce child poverty
The expanded child tax credit has already seen great success in reducing hardship among families with children in 2021, but we will fight to make it permanent alongside other policies to support families and children.
How Weak Safety Net Policies Exacerbate Regional and Racial Inequality
While all low-income individuals and families, particularly those of color, struggle to avoid falling into poverty, some receive less support solely because of where they live.
CAP’s Poverty to Prosperity team works with nonpartisan organizations and coalitions throughout the poverty policy space by coordinating research and advocacy efforts to sway public opinion and influence legislation that would help those in need. Some of the team’s closest partners are listed below.
Fighting Hunger: How Congress Should Combat Food Insecurity Among Low-Income Americans
With food insecurity worsening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting economic recession, and, more recently, supply chain issues and inflation, congressional action is necessary to ease hardship for millions.
TANF Must Be Able To Respond Faster and Stronger to Economic Crises
By reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as a strong automatic stabilizer, policymakers can keep millions of Americans out of poverty and counteract recessionary pressures.
Black Men and the U.S. Economy: How the Economic Recovery Is Perpetuating Systemic Racism
While the U.S. economy is recovering for many Americans, Black men continue to experience persistent unemployment gaps and reduced economic opportunity.
The ARP Grew the Economy, Reduced Poverty, and Eased Financial Hardship for Millions
Data show that in just one year, the 2021 American Rescue Plan eased hardship for millions of Americans and demonstrated the need for further federal investment to build a long-term, equitable economy that works for all.
2021 Was a Year of Bold Economic Policy That Must Be Extended
A plethora of temporary programs helped low-income Americans weather the pandemic in 2021, and extending them would be a meaningful step toward building an economy that works for all.
Alleviating Food Insecurity in the Disabled Community
As food insecurity worsened for the disability community during the pandemic, several disability organizations developed innovative solutions that could provide a road map toward better equity around food access.
The American Rescue Plan Can Help States and Localities Meet Employment Goals and Invest in Workers
American Rescue Plan funding allows state and local governments to invest in employment solutions for their residents, including skills training, career pathways in educational settings, child care, and other basic needs.
