This year marks the fifth statewide Poverty Summit hosted by Missourians to End Poverty -- a non-partisan coalition comprised of non-profits, religious organizations, businesses, government agencies and concerned citizens who have come together around the goal of eliminating poverty throughout the state. The 2018 Missouri Poverty Summit will take place on Thursday, September 20, 2018 in Jefferson City at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. This year’s theme and focus is “Together We Can: Building Resilient Communities" and will bring together Missourians from across the state to engage in dialogue and identify real-world strategies proven to build resilient communities and support Missourians.

Missouri’s poverty rate steadily increased from 13.3% in 2007 to 16.2% in 2012. Since 2012, the poverty rate has declined to today’s poverty rate of 14%. Given these dates coincide with the Great Recession and the years following, it’s an indicator of resilience! Despite the progress, however, there are still 826,358 Missourians in poverty -- of which 260,867 are children. From food insecurity to restricted access to healthcare, lack of a living wage to inadequate housing, people living in situations of poverty may face these challenges and more. With communities dedicated to helping local people -- walking alongside those who struggle and equipping them along the way -- and showing hope in the face of despair, people can persevere through the hard times. Resilient communities are key to ending poverty.

Missourians to End Poverty believes all communities across the state, whether urban or rural, have the potential to persevere through hard times and possess a spirit of resilience. It takes everyone in the community -- community leaders, elected officials, business leaders, government agencies, advocates, teachers, and everyday citizens -- working together to build a resilient community. Please join us in making the 2018 Missouri Poverty Summit a success as we build resilient communities across Missouri.

Below is the current schedule of events for the 2018 Poverty Summit*:

* Please note that the above is a draft program agenda; the order of events and program content are subject to change.