INRPHA Announces Call for Pilot Grant Proposals to Advance Rural Health & Aging Research

WRDC researchers Nadeeka Weerasekara and Paul Lewin recently presented new findings at the 72nd NARSC Annual Meeting that explore how safety net programs influence a family’s ability to move out of poverty and remain stable over time. Their analysis of more than three decades of household data shows that while safety nets often support short-term progress, many families still face challenges that increase the risk of returning to poverty.

WRDC is committed to strengthening relationships with partners across the West. This fall, we connected in person with Western Land-Grant Universities, 1994 Tribal Colleges, and Tribal Extension leaders to learn about their work, understand local priorities, and explore opportunities for collaboration that support rural communities and drive rural prosperity throughout the region.

WRDC researchers Paul Lewin and Nadeeka Weerasekara presented new findings at the 72nd NARSC that explore why some families remain in long-term poverty. Their analysis of 22 years of national data shows that structural barriers, such as limited access to transportation, childcare, healthcare, digital connectivity, and affordable credit, limit families’ ability to build assets, even when income rises, keeping families trapped in poverty.