low wage workers

Even before the recession began hammering family finances, researchers say, many of Colorado's working families were falling fast into poverty.

The economic downturn continues to compound the problem. Many local families say they're losing hope for a better life here.

"There's no ‘American Dream' here for people like me," said Durango mother Theresa Rodriguez, who said she struggles to get by.

By Heather Scofield
The Durango Herald

As local residents and officials mobilize to meet struggling families' needs today, advocates say some big-picture and novel approaches also will be a necessary part of the battle against poverty.

Here are a few of the concepts gaining traction around the nation:

Tax credits

The National Poverty Center issued a report last year indicating their research found that state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits "dramatically boosted the incomes of low-income households."