Our Impact
Working with local churches, donors, and giving partners, we strive to bridge gaps of daily living essentials that foster hope and community support.
Family Needs are Urgent
In Carver County, many of our neighbors face financial hardships that lead to isolation, fear, and loneliness. Working with local churches, donors and giving partners, we strive to bridge gaps and create connections that foster hope and community support.
Every day in Carver County, individuals and families struggle with a range of needs that extend beyond their financial capabilities. Approximately 7,700 people live below the poverty line, and 2,435 households experience food insecurity. Homelessness affects around 150 people each night, including children, while 2,240 of the county's children live in poverty, jeopardizing their future prospects and putting them at risk of continued generational cycles of poverty. Despite a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.5%, many residents are underemployed or juggling multiple jobs to cover basic expenses.
The high cost of living, particularly in housing, exacerbates these challenges, with over 30% of households spending more than a third of their income on housing. According to the Carver County Community Development Agency (CCDA,) a deficit of approximately 1,000 affordable housing units further strains families. Healthcare access remains a critical issue, as 9,900 residents are uninsured or underinsured, leading to unmet medical needs. Additionally, more than 16,500 residents have unaddressed mental health issues due to inadequate services.
Educational gaps are evident, with over 25% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches. Truancy is a significant issue, with mental health problems like anxiety and depression often contributing to chronic absenteeism. Approximately 5-10% of students in Carver County are considered truant, meaning they have excessive unexcused absences from school. Academic performance in Carver County reveals that while many students perform well, there are disparities. About 55% of students in grades 3-8 are proficient in reading, and 50% are proficient in math. These figures indicate that nearly half of the students are struggling to meet state standards in these core subjects (Minnesota Report Card).
These statistics underscore the economic struggles many families face, impacting children's academic performance and overall well-being.
“I lost everything—my home, my car, and my sense of stability. After my mother passed, I found myself homeless, struggling to keep my kids safe while couch-hopping and staying in hotels. Love INC gave us the support we needed to rebuild our lives, and in July, we finally moved into a place to call home. I’m beyond grateful for the kindness and stability they helped us find."
-Love INC client
Growing Our Impact.
Through our HelpLine, we answered over 2,500 calls for assistance in 2024 alone, supporting individuals and families with essentials like beds, cleaning supplies, and other daily living items. Year over year we continue to meet more needs of those who are calling for support.