For over 25 years organized groups of low-income families in Oregon have been gathering food that would otherwise go to waste and distributing this food among organization members. The purpose of this research study is to explore the potential for these organizations (gleaning groups) to contribute not only to food distribution, but also to the reduction of poverty through the development of human capital (acquiring knowledge and skills) and social capital (building relationships of trust and support) among participants in these organizations. Data was collected through participant observation at a regional food distribution agency and seven gleaning group sites, as well as interviews with 13 key informants working with gleaning organizations, and 19 volunteer members of gleaning organizations. The results of this study indicate that gleaning groups are contributing to the development of human and social capital by providing individuals with opportunities such as working closely with other gleaners, carrying out the administrative tasks of a non-profit organization and distributing food to shut-in or disabled "adoptee" members of these groups. In addition, this study shows that there are significant hindrances to human and social capital development within gleaning organizations including lack of control over the amount of food groups receive through the national food-banking network, deficiencies in volunteer participation and an emphasis on efficiency in carrying out group tasks. The author suggests incorporating social and human capital development into the stated purposes of gleaning organizations in an effort to stated purposes of gleaning organizations in an effort to intentionally remove barriers to, as well as encourage further investments in these forms of capital. / Graduation date: 2004

published_or_final_version / abstract / Urban Planning and Environmental Management / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

This study focused on the development of the Portable Practical Educational Preparation process from its inception in 1967 through fiscal 1981, and the historical-organizational phases it passed through as it evolved into its present configuration. The history of this unique organization, serving the migrant and rural poor in Arizona, was traced. PPEP, Inc, as a non-profit community-based organization whose fundamental philosophy is self-help, has been involved in many social and educational missions. Over the time period to be covered by this investigation, PPEP has served some 55,000 individuals in such diverse areas as adult basic education, classroom training, on-the-job training, social services, and self-help community projects. PPEP, Inc. has developed from an obscure beginning in a school on wheels, "La Tortuga", a converted 1957 Chevrolet 35-passenger bus, to Arizona's largest multi-funded non-profit service agency whose practical achievements have drawn international attention. Today, a comprehensive umbrella of services to low-income rural people has been realized through a network of community-based aides with professional and technical support staff. The PPEP philosophy includes the following: (1) To involve those who are less fortunate in carrying out meaningful programs to eliminate rural poverty; (2) To help overcome the problems faced by rural people by mobilizing public and private resources in support of these programs; (3) To plan, coordinate and evaluate both short- and long-range strategies for overcoming poverty and underdevelopment in rural communities.

As developing India faces rapid urbanization, the provision of sufficient infrastructure facilities to the informal settlers remains a major challenge. Pune is a second tier city in the state of Maharashtra which is transforming itself into a metropolitan city. The research is an attempt to better understand the existence of slums, explore and suggest empowerment opportunities to improve the living conditions of an informal settlement dweller. It questions the scope and limitations of the architectural profession specific to the responsibilities of architects towards the impoverished people within the society. This study argues and advocates the need to understand and respond accordingly to the needs of the people who lack access to resources. As an attempt to better understand this perspective, the study takes a closer look at the works and philosophies of Dr. Wes Janz, Dr. Nihal Perera, Prof. Hector LaSala, Lebbeus Woods, Ar. Pratima Joshi, Prof. Nabeel Hamdi, and Robert Neuwirth. Also the research explains the efforts of several non profit organizations like School on Wheels (Indianapolis), Second Helpings (Indianapolis), Hamara Footpath (Mumbai, India), and MicroPlace which work towards providing better living conditions to disadvantaged people. The study concludes with a proposal for a Non Governmental Organization in Pune, India that will provide the slum dwellers access to education, the internet, and monetary resources which will lead towards their enablement. / Paradigm shift -- The naked truth -- Generations of social exile -- Do we really know slums? -- Existence of Pune slums -- Architectural education in India -- Implications of development -- Agents of change -- Are we well equipped as professionals? -- Exploring various forms of empowerment -- Proposal for an NGO. / Department of Architecture

The study determined the impact of agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation at Amajuba district municipality. Data was drawn from 100 respondents, projects were purposively selected in line with the focus of projects members and non-projects members in Dannhauser under Amajuba District municipality to access and investigate the impact of agricultural development projects on poverty alleviation. The study presents the results of assessing those that are in groups and those that are working individually on agricultural production to alleviate poverty. The data was captured using a questionnaire which was administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used to analyse and compare the level of livelihood and variables between project and non-project members. The results show that project members are more productive than non-project members. Project members had more access to funding, training, markets and extension services compared to non-members. However, the results further showed that being a project member attracts some rewards which end up improving the living standards as well as alleviates the poverty levels of farmers, whereas working as an individual limits the farmer(s) from receiving reasonable government assistance such as funding and extension services delivery. The descriptive results indicated that members of most rural households were relatively old, married, literate but unemployed. Non-project members were dependent on remittances, social grants and pension funds because the farming strategy could not meet all their household needs. However, The major crops that were grown for income and food security to maintain their livelihoods include: maize, potatoes, onions, butternut, carrots, cabbage and dry beans. Factors that had significant influences on outcomes were extension services, grants, pension and remittances, land productivity, market accessibility, output difference and livelihood. The available opportunities for project members were access to land, funding, markets, infrastructure, inputs and support services from government institutions, as well as NGO’s.

In this research study the researcher attempted to gain an insight on what constitutes sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Further, the researcher attempted to explore and gain understanding of the role of social worker in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Since the literature on sustainability is limited, it is hoped that this study will provide valuable information for further research on the topic. In the limited literature study undertaken however, it was evident that despite the generic service that they provide, social workers have a role to play in community development. It was found that social workers can no longer afford to restrict their service provision to the traditional methods of social work. The egalitarian nature of their profession demands that they occupy the centre stage in poverty alleviation as they are strategically placed between the poor and the decision-makers in government. Eighteen respondents composed of six social workers, six committee members and six community members from six poverty alleviating projects were interviewed. One project from each of the six districts of Tsomo, Nqamakwe, Butterworth, Centane, Idutywa and Willowvale were used in the research study. The fmdings suggested that social workers, committee members and community members have differing opinions on what promotes or impedes sustainability of poverty alleviating projects, All respondents however agreed that participation as well as empowerment through training were basic requirements towards sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Again the findings agreed with the literature that social workers have an important role to play in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects.

Poverty alleviation projects are interventions designed to assist the socio-economic conditions of poor communities. This is a case study on a skills development project that has been implemented with the aim of alleviating poverty through equipping people with productive skills. The study was conducted in Lephalale, Limpopo province. It was conducted during July and August 2011. The study focuses on skills development as a poverty alleviation strategy because developing skills is essential for building human capacity. The study evaluates the effectiveness of skills development within a community that is characterised by lack of education and skills. Many rural communities fail to apprehend education and skills as a result of their location and poverty. They are isolated from cities and towns and this has an impact on their surrounding conditions including the level of skills and education. The study found that the skills development project in Lephalale played a vital role of developing skills through training community members with the skills necessary to obtain jobs and be able to create self-employment. Creating self-employment is one way to address the challenges of unemployment and the lack of income. There research found that there are various job opportunities being created in the area, however the local community cannot participate due to lack of skills required in the labour market. The study revealed the majority of the people who joined the skills development project did not complete grade 12 and have never worked.

Similar to most other large North American cities, that area of Vancouver which at the beginning of the present century was at the hub of a young and vigorous regional economy, is now playing host to the castoffs of our society made up of those who are suffering from physical and emotional ill health or have fallen by the wayside because of poverty and lack of skills and education. The social agencies serving the area recognize that by and large their efforts are only of an emergency nature and leave the basic problems untouched. A comprehensive program to deal effectively with the problems of skid road requires resources beyond the means of these agencies and will require extensive support, financial and otherwise, from civic and senior governments. A number of the agencies serving the area have been instrumental in bringing the dilemma to the attention of civic authorities and in recommending remedial and preventive action. Studies and programs which have been undertaken on Skid Road in the United States, point the way to a solution of similar problems in Vancouver. At the same time research on the subject is still relatively limited, and much more needs to be known, especially of the situation as it exists at the local level. The present study is intended to add to the fund of basic knowledge on Skid Road in Vancouver. This is a necessity if effective planning and action are to take place. In the introductory chapter Skid Road is portrayed in terms of its historical and present physical and social characteristics. A review of two recent studies on Skid Road in Vancouver familiarized the reader with some of the problems of the area and suggests possible ways of coping with these. A few observations on newspaper coverage of the area conclude the chapter. In Chapter II a summary of several studies and projects on Skid Road in the United States offers a means of comparison to the local scene. The second half of the thesis focuses on an examination of the problems and social policy of Skid Road in Vancouver, as seen by representatives of social agencies serving the area and the clientele served. The purpose of the study, its scope, and the materials and methods used, are outlined in greater detail. In chapter 4 the research data are classified and presented in table form where appropriate. A brief analysis of the data is also presented. The final chapter contains observations on the research project and its findings as a whole. The thesis ends with a number of recommendations and conclusions on the basis of the findings. The study was intended primarily as a further exploration of the problem area. Definite conclusions were not expected. At the same time, the following observations deserve closer consideration. It was felt that particular attention be given to the establishment of: a) a multipurpose agency in the Skid Road area b) a variety of hostels and halfway houses located throughout the city c) a coordinating body to deal with Skid Road problems / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

Two sets of theories are used sequentially in the analysis of the policymaking behind Learnfare. The first series consIsts of theories of the overall pollcymaking process, and includes the rational comprehensive, incrementalist, and two models of "organized anarchy" including the "garbage can" and "policy windows" perspectives. The second series focuses more specifically on the role of policy analysis itself within the larger process, and includes models I abstracted from several recent writings on the subject. The task here is to characterize the nature of analysis and the work of the analyst. These models consist of the "anti-analytic" and "analyst subordination" theses, and the perspective of "policy analysis as art and craft". For the most part, both sets of models afforded helpful and distinct insights into the Learnfare policymaking process. / Ph. D.

The contemporary American welfare state is a highly controversial institution plagued with tremendous deficiencies. There is agreement over the entire political spectrum that the current welfare system needs an overhaul, but there is considerable disagreement on how this should or could be accomplished. Neither liberal nor conservative reform proposals can be understood as solutions to the problem because they lack an appropriate analytical framework. This thesis tries to contribute to the current welfare debate by developing an analytical framework by which we can judge welfare policies. It is based upon contemporary theories of the welfare state and the concept of equality, by which we can judge welfare policies. This framework will be used to reveal how and why existing policies fail to achieve the central purpose of the welfare state and to re-introduce a policy proposal that might be able to avoid the difficulties that have plagued existing policies. / Master of Arts