The Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance released results from a poverty awareness survey conducted earlier this year.

There were 526 self-selected respondents who completed the survey online and at a gathering at the Mustard Seed. They were categorized as being from three groups: residents, service providers and people who’ve experienced poverty.

The vast majority recognized several facts about poverty, such as how it can affect anyone in their lifetime, that a person can work full time and still live in poverty, and that growing up in poverty increases the chance of experiencing it later on.

A smaller majority, between 64 to 69 per cent, realized that one in 10 people in Red Deer live in poverty.

They were also asked how Red Deer measured up in eight factors CAPRA has identified as being key to poverty reduction.

About 22 per cent of residents or people who’ve experienced poverty agreed with the statement that people in Red Deer have their basic needs met. Only about 10 per cent of service providers agreed with the statement.

Findings from the survey will help CAPRA plan for future research and advocacy.