Sarah Dieleman Perry assisted Kathy Buechel of The Benter Foundation in facilitating a conversation with Andrea Levere, President of Prosperity Now, formerly known as CFED, at the 2017 Nonprofit Summit on Friday, October 6.

Andrea’s presentation, which was covered by the Pittsburgh Business Times, entitled Building Assets and Wealth in the Region: Leveraging Data and Best Practices to Expand Prosperity, was a highlight of the Summit. She shared the latest data on wealth in PA and Pittsburgh based on Prosperity Now’s annual Scorecard, and offered effective strategies to address inequalities and move families toward greater financial health.

Participants were surprised to learn that nearly 41% of households in Pittsburgh live in “liquid asset poverty” — while they may be making ends meet  now, a disruption in income for three months such as a sickness or layoff would mean the inability to afford food and housing.

Ten local leaders representing Pittsburgh’s Asset Building Network led lively conversations about five strategies to address economic instability in our region — 1) Support the county-wide children’s savings account program, Fund My Future; 2) leverage tax time to build savings; 3) integrate financial capability into other services such as employment and health; 4) build workplace financial wellness; and 5) expand homeownership.

All are welcome to join the continued conversation. Contact Sarah at sarah@neighborhoodallies.org to learn more.