Hampton official frames local poverty: 'Stone Soup' collaboration, centralized resources proposed

Deanna Valentine, Hampton's director of economic empowerment and family resiliency, told the City Council the city's poverty level is "13%" and described a mix of short‑ and long‑term steps to raise household incomes. She said Hampton's median household income is $67,758, roughly $23,000 below Virginia's median, and highlighted a 4.2% local unemployment rate.

Valentine urged a whole‑person approach that addresses more than wages, pointing to eviction cycles, benefit cliffs and mental‑health and transportation barriers. "When we look at poverty in the city of Hampton, we need to look at what poverty looks like just across our region as well," she said, and noted roughly 40% of residents fall at or below the ALICE (asset‑limited, income‑constrained, employed) threshold. She recommended a centralized, up‑to‑date resource guide and collaboration among nonprofits, faith groups and colleges to reduce the navigation gap residents face.