It is time to replace the current approach to poverty with one that works.

As a country, we have the resources and the knowledge to eradicate poverty. For too long we’ve relied on government programs and charitable groups to do what is best spread among each of us.

Existing approaches routinely fail to take a hard look at the data and accurately measure the outcomes of their work. And they fail to ask people with lived experience what they need in order to obtain lasting economic stability.

We can ensure that obstacles are removed and opportunities are created in our own communities, and we can do so without spending more than a trillion dollars annually for programs that rarely lead to people rising out of poverty.