Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 9th Annual From Poverty to Possibilities on November 18, 2025.
What an incredible day it was! With over 400 people in attendance, our community showed just how deeply we believe in the work of ending poverty in Pierce County.
“The end of poverty is something to stand for!” — Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of Evicted and Poverty, By America and our inspiring keynote speaker, who challenged every one of us to become “Poverty Abolitionists.”
Your presence and engagement made this year’s theme, “The Urgency of Now… Mobilizing Community Power,” truly resonate. Thank you for showing up with open minds, courageous hearts, and a shared commitment to building a more just and equitable community.
Stay tuned for information about From Poverty to Possibilities 2026!
Join the Movement - Becoming a Poverty Abolitionist
https://endpovertyusa.org/
Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond urges individuals to commit to abolishing poverty
princeton-sociologist-matthew-desmond-urges-individuals-commit-abolishing poverty
Matthew Desmond on How to End Poverty
Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjY7a2E3pt4
United For ALICE
Https://www.unitedforalice.org/county-reports/washington#7/47.294/-120.828
10 Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty
Https://dismantlepovertyinwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Final10yearPlan.pdf
Community Reinvestment Plan for WA State
Https://www.commerce.wa.gov/crp/
Statewide Poverty Action Network
Https://povertyaction.org/
Communities of Focus
Https://tpchd.org/health/health-equity/communities-of-focus/
Tell Gov Ferguson: fund the programs WA relies on!
https://secure.ngpvan.com/XsHdI_sfgkKJxDABnYdKyA2
Tell Your Lawmakers: This Session, Prioritize Progressive Revenue!
https://secure.everyaction.com/uBFWXQpGgkGUPsGPWGgodw2
Thank You for Joining Us at From Poverty to Possibilities 2025!
Click here for Speaker & Presenter Bios
Theme: The Urgency of Now… Mobilizing Community Power
What an incredible morning of learning, reflection, and collective action. On November 18, more than 500 community members, leaders, and advocates came together at Hotel Murano with a shared purpose: to move beyond imagining a more just, resilient, and equitable community—and to actively build it.
Together, we explored:
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The power of our collective voices and lived experiences
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What must change to address poverty at its roots
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How to build resilience so every person has the opportunity to thrive
The summit created a brave, honest space for dialogue—one that sparked new partnerships, challenged long-held assumptions, and inspired each of us to consider our role in creating systems that truly work for everyone.
A Highlight: Matthew Desmond
We were honored to welcome Matthew Desmond, Princeton sociologist, MacArthur Fellow, bestselling author of Evicted and Poverty, by America, and founder of The Eviction Lab. His research and insights reminded us of the urgent need to confront structural drivers of poverty—and the profound impact policy, community action, and shared responsibility can have on changing lives.
Stay tuned! Photos from the event will be added here soon!