Our Approach

Momentum’s approach to poverty reduction is founded on a model called Sustainable Livelihoods. To reduce poverty we focus on increasing financial resources. However, this growth is only sustainable if we holistically develop a person's assets.

For Momentum, a sustainable livelihood means growing in five different asset areas:

• Personal Assets
  Intangible resources such as personal and cultural identity, values, beliefs, self-confidence and motivation
• Physical Assets
  Basic material goods and services such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation
• Social Assets
  Relationships and networks
• Human Assets
  Skills, knowledge, education and health
• Financial Assets
  Income, savings and sources of financial security (including government income security programs)

All people have assets on which to build. Momentum’s programs recognize the wide array of assets that contribute to economic and social well-being.

Overall, the goal is to support individuals and families in their efforts to build the assets required to achieve a good quality of life on a sustainable basis.

The model at Momentum

All of Momentum’s programs are designed to increase participants’ assets in all five areas. For example:

• Financial Literacy
  Participants learn to better manage money and build an orientation toward the future.
• Business Development
  Participants pursue self-employment as a means to self-reliance.
• Skills Training
  Participants receive training and support to enhance job opportunities.

Our participants map their assets at the beginning and end of their program. Momentum is proud to say that 90% of participants grow their assets during the course of their chosen program.