Policymakers often struggle to promoteimprovements in the well-being of the poorest individualsand families. The challenges are many. People living inextreme poverty frequently have multiple needs that requirea range of services. They also may face specialpsychological and social challenges that can make itdifficult for them to connect with and benefit from socialassistance programs. Governments that want to assist thismost vulnerable group need to engage the participants,deliver the mix of services that works best for each family,and know what incentives help people successfully utilizeavailable programs. At the World Bank, committed to helpingcountries eradicate extreme poverty and alleviate hunger,the first of the eight United Nations Millennium DevelopmentGoals. To help policymakers and development experts designprograms that successfully address the range of problemsthat keep people poor, the World Bank supported anevaluation of Chile's targeted extreme povertyreduction program, Chile Solidario. The program, which twinsregular visits from social workers with a reorganization ofprograms to increase access, make them more relevant to theneeds of poor households, and better meet demand, hasresulted in increased take-up of subsidies for the indigent.It also has raised enrollment in housing and employmentprograms, among other services.
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