In Ashland County, Ohio, poverty is not just a statistic—it’s a daily reality for thousands of families. With 14.2% of the population living below the poverty line—surpassing the national average of 13.1%—nearly 5,000 households and over 11,000 individuals are struggling to make ends meet. Many families are now caught in an increasingly dire situation, exacerbated by inflation, the expiration of pandemic-related aid programs, and a growing gap between wages and the cost of living.

The Elinor & T.W. Miller, Jr. Foundation recognized this urgent need and awarded a critical grant to The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Ashland, Ohio. This support has been instrumental in providing direct aid to families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, a demographic growing steadily due to rising living costs and stagnant wages—where the average wage in the county is $16.79 per hour, falling short of the $19.25 needed to meet basic needs.

Through this grant and additional community support, the Kroc Center has delivered impactful services to hundreds of Ashland families. Highlights of this effort include:

  • Emergency utility assistance for 202 households, preventing service disconnections for 607 individuals.
  • Temporary shelter through 290 nights of lodging, addressing the pressing shortage in emergency housing options.
  • Housing support, including 217 housing applications and thousands of referrals to long-term solutions.
  • Holiday relief for 1,541 people, offering food, clothing, household essentials, and spiritual care during a challenging season.
  • Over 4,300 referrals to critical community resources, helping families navigate their path to stability.

This funding has done more than provide emergency relief—it has prevented homelessness, maintained essential utilities, and offered families a chance to rebuild. The increasing number of students qualifying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program, such as the 73.5% at Ashland County Community Academy, underscores the deepening need.

Thanks to the generosity of the Elinor & T.W. Miller, Jr. Foundation, The Salvation Army Kroc Center continues to be a beacon of hope—bridging the gap between crisis and stability for Ashland County’s most vulnerable residents.