LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – Arkansas is one of the poorest states in the country but one group wants to help lift people out of poverty.
According to the Census Bureau Statistics, Arkansas ranks 49th for household income. Peace Wins protested on the Capitol’s step Monday to bring awareness to the nationwide Poor People’s Campaign.
"There is need to help the poor, the disabled and women in this country and especially children,” Loretta Fudoli said.
Poverty is something thousands face in Arkansas every day. Fudoli said the group is fighting for those who cannot support themselves.
"They have no resources to stand up for themselves a lot of times. The knowledge, the education,” she said.
The campaign will go on for 40 days. It will focus on different topics each week like veterans and systematic racism.
It is focusing on people with disabilities this week.
"A lot of people with disabilities are not being employed. They're living in poverty situations and they need to be employed,” Michael Thornton said.
Fudoli said the group is going to be talking with lawmakers and that action goes beyond the Capitol’s steps.
“[We're going to] see our legislators, see our senators, talk to them, make them carry out our wishes,” she said. "Do all the action we can in all our communities. Make people aware why we're doing this. Try to get them involved."
The Poor People’s Campaign will be meeting in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Capitol on June 23. They will join with other chapters across the country to bring awareness for the poor.