Community-based research provides a useful framework for addressing social problems and exploring alternatives. This paper directs attention toward community-based research as a framework for better understanding inter-subjective views of poverty and exploring alternative intervention programs that are innovative and diverse. As an example of substantive research in this regard, results from two related mixed-method investigations (key-informant interviews, focus groups and telephone surveys) of underemployment, poverty and limited access to health care are synthesized. Discussion of these efforts and description of follow-up projects address the ways in which the CBR framework may contribute to the development of alternative policies and programs for workforce development, poverty alleviation and increased access to health care.