In April 2023, the Mathews Community Foundation Board approved sponsoring a meeting to focus on the challenges faced by people dealing with poverty. This led to the creation of the Mathews County Against Poverty (MCAP) coalition, with a mission to reduce the number of homes in Mathews without running water, proper septic systems, childcare, and address inadequate housing and transportation. The coalition held a workshop on November 15th, 2023, with 24 participants from various local organizations and agencies. They discussed creative ideas to address five key issues: affordable housing, childcare, running water/septic, transportation, and life skills.

Following the workshop, 5 smaller groups focused on different areas were created to do more research, find extra resources, plan, and take action to address the issues. Attendees agreed that everyone should do more to help people out of these situations. The Mathews Community Foundation has set up a new fund called Mathews County Against Poverty, which people can support by donating to MCF. If you want to join this group or help in other ways, please contact Mathews Community Foundation, ATTN: MCAP, PO BOX 1037, Mathews, VA 23109.