The Work of PRI

The Poverty Research Institute (NJPRI) was established by LSNJ in 1997 to create greater public awareness of poverty’s scope, causes, consequences, and remedies — in major part, to help alleviate some of the legal problems of people living in poverty. It is the first and only entity exclusively focused on developing and updating information on poverty in New Jersey. NJPRI conducts systemic research on the incidence, effects, and other aspects of poverty — as well as the relationship among poverty, work, and public policy — and makes its findings available to the public. Our hope is that through information, data dissemination, and analysis, major problems, including legal problems, of people experiencing poverty may be obviated and the consequent need for legal representation thereby reduced.

What Do We Study?

PRI publishes a variety of reports addressing various aspects of poverty, including:

• Poverty Benchmarks annual report series;
• Real Cost of Living report series;
• Eye On the Budget annual report series;
• Primary research reports on poverty-related issues, including need for legal representation and the effectiveness of safety net services;
• Various other reports relevant to poverty in New Jersey.

Areas of policy addressed by PRI research include, among others:

• Income assistance;
• Housing & transportation;
• Health & disabilities;
• Welfare & workforce development;
• Employment.

Why Do We Need to Know?

Accurate and detailed information has always been necessary to inform decisions about program needs, policy changes, and investment of state resources. In times like those currently facing New Jersey, when crucial challenges confront efforts to develop a better future for all, comprehensive data and analysis on poverty and the issues facing all New Jerseyans are all the more important. Quality research directed toward relevant policy issues is an essential resource for public decision-makers and advocates.

How Do We Impact Public Policy?

PRI makes our information and research available to state decisionmakers, advocates, and the general public. Efforts to broadly disseminate relevant research findings include:

• Gathering New Jersey data for primary research reports on poverty-related issues, such as legal needs, welfare program effectiveness, and inability to meet basic needs;
• Producing annual reports tracking the state’s progress in reducing poverty and commitment of state resources;
• Publishing ad hoc reports on emerging issues relevant to public policy decisions, such as the state minimum wage;
• Collaborating with direct service partners within LSNJ and the broader advocacy community;
• Presenting research at conferences and providing public information at diverse community forums;
• Providing poverty-related information to media entities to influence print, radio, and television coverage.

NJPRI Research Reports

Poverty in New Jersey

Presentations

Press Releases

Download the PRI brochure

Support Our Work — Please Consider Making a Donation

Tax-deductible donations to support the work of PRI may be made to Legal Services of New Jersey, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Donations help to fund our research, publications, and public information efforts.

For more information on recent releases, visit our Web site at www.lsnj.org/PRI or contact PRI at or (732) 572-9100, ext. 8326