TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A recent report looks at what it really costs families to make ends meet and why, even if you work, you might feel like you’re struggling.
Johnathan Sublet, founder and executive director of SENT Topeka, visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain how the findings shape the organization’s perspective.
Sublet said The Urban Institute developed the TCES tool, or True Cost of Economic Security. He said it includes factors like housing, food, health care, child care, transportation, debt and savings to determine how much money families truly need to meet daily needs.
Sublet said the tool shows how the poverty line isn’t a simple indicator of how financially stable families might be. He said the 2023 report found 49 out of 100 people in the U.S. lives below the TCES line; more than 40 out of 100 fell just below it; and about 1 in 10 had less than half of what they needed.
Sublet said the report supports SENT’s approach that things like affordable housing, one-stop resource support, transportation, and close-to-home care matter.
To that end, SENT will host a ribbon cutting for the expansion of its Southside Wellness Clinic. The celebration will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. April 29 at SENT’s location, 455 SE Golf Park Blvd.
Watch the interview to learn more.
Find information on SENT’s resources at SENTTopeka.com.
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