Putting experience
to work

"I know what it's like to live on the economic margins. It feels awful. And, I've worked with many marginalized communities around the country who've experienced the same. The socio-economic realities in our community and state are grim. 

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One in three neighbors in Allen County are economic experiencing hardship right now, and in the state of Indiana one of every two Hoosiers are facing similar circumstances. That's 3.5 million people...and one too many as far as I'm concerned. 

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Constituents deserve the very most from their elected leaders and it's about time we demand more from them. I will one day serve in this capacity, but until then, I remain committed to serving my community in other ways - from volunteering to advocacy work, I don't remain idle and nor should you. Vote, volunteer, and sound your voice to improve the quality of life for all."    

 

~Melissa Rinehart

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  For a brighter future

 

Did you know?

  • 1 in 5 households earn an annual income below the cost of living in Allen County, 

  • 1 in 3 households in Allen County, including the working poor and those living in poverty, struggle to make ends meet, ​

  • For example, in my House District #82, poverty rates are 20% or higher in several zip codes; and in the 46803 zip code it's 50%,

  • 1 in 3 adults in the 46802, 46803 and 46806 zip codes are uninsured,

  • 1/2 of all households in the 46803, 46805, and 46808 zip codes are renters, and in every zip code in my House District, 20% or more of constituents with mortgages pay over 1/3 of their income on housing; and

  • 51,850 neighbors in Allen County experience food insecurity on a daily basis including 18,000 children.