Helping Our Neighbors in Need

For most Arlingtonians, our economy works well. Still, we face challenges that can be addressed as a compassionate community that is committed to service. We can do more to address hunger, the needs of our seniors, our disabled and helping the 8.8 percent of our Arlington neighbors who live below the poverty line. We must commit to expanding opportunity for everyone in Arlington.

Commit to Ending Child Hunger in Arlington

The Arlington Food Assistance Center serves 2,200 families per week. 35 percent of those individuals receiving meals are children. We must acknowledge that preventing child hunger is worth our investment. Our County Board has prioritized fighting hunger, but it is time to champion the elimination of child hunger, just as we successfully ended veteran homelessness in 2016. Arlington can accomplish this goal by updating the Arlington community hunger analysis done in 2012 and 2013 to identify problem areas. We must relentlessly pursue solutions to reduce child hunger and, eventually, food insecurity.

Help our Seniors to Age in Place and Live Affordably

Our seniors are among the fastest growing demographic in Arlington, along with millennials. We must commit to helping seniors age in place through initiatives such as accessory dwellings. I supported the Accessory Dwelling ordinance that came before the County Board in 2017 as a smart, balanced way to move forward on aging in place. Arlington has to be an accessible place for seniors to live, so we must be mindful of how increases in housing costs impact this community. We also must expand services to help homes become accessible through home modifications, options for accessory dwellings, and transportation so that seniors do not face isolation.

Expand Opportunity for Our Neighbors Below the Poverty Line

Arlington is the fifth wealthiest county in America with a median household income of $110,000. However, Arlington is also an expensive place to live with an equally high poverty line. A family of four is living in poverty with a household income below $46,000 per year. By this metric, 8.8 percent of Arlingtonians, at least 15,000 individuals, struggle with poverty.

We cannot fix poverty alone—the federal government and the Commonwealth of Virginia have roles to play, as well as the extraordinary network of non-profits in Arlington and a spirit of service that has been and continues to be so strong in this community. Each of these parts are part of the broader solution. However, the County Board must continue to play a role and build on years of progress. I believe that we must step up and consider poverty reduction as a metric key to our community’s success. By doing so, we will strengthen our economy for everyone and build community that is compassionate for all.

I am committed to expanding opportunity for everyone and my career reflects this commitment. I began my career teaching in a low-income community and worked on hunger issues with Feeding America and issues impacting seniors with Rebuilding Together. I am incredibly passionate about this issue and want to raise awareness on it for Arlington.

Matt’s Commitment

Tracking poverty and hunger metrics for more targeted response and updating the Arlington community hunger analysis
Changes to housing / zoning policy that allow more flexible options for seniors
Recognizing the needs of people who are disabled related to access, transportation, and economic opportunity
Seek to engage people in these situations for solutions that will improve their lives

To share your thoughts with me or my campaign team on economic opportunity issues, please contact me at matt@mattforarlington.com or Minneh Kane at minneh@mattforarlington.com.