Lacking the ability to obtain access to the basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter which in return makes a person’s living condition able to put a stop to them being able to receive education, obtain medical help, secure a steady job, and engage in delightful activities due to the absence of money is what we consider poverty in the world today. Poverty is often classified as either absolute poverty which refers to those whose earnings descend below a line that is set by a given country or “Relative poverty which refers to people whose total incomes are less than a certain percentage—typically 50%--of the country’s median income.” (Okalow, 2022) Income is NOT the only factor that plays a part in poverty, more components can be found within the Multidimensional Poverty Index. Nearly three hundred and fifty-six million children live in extreme poverty, while one billion live in multidimensional poverty, which means they have no access to clean water or nutrition. Poverty plays a vast role in children, only because they are unable to get themselves out of poverty so they experience the issues that come with it. This can also trigger a cycle of poverty which can continue to go on for generations down the line.
There are around 35 million people living in poverty in America today. When the government invests in meeting people's basic needs and economic security through a robust safety net and jobs that help build financial security, children, families, and other vulnerable populations see improved outcomes in both the short and long term. Fortunately there are many solutions to help reduce poverty. These are just a few examples.
Expanding safety net programs to benefit all
Safety net programs can help a variety of people by helping them meet their basic needs and providing stability.
The pandemic has exposed that America's safety net structure is inadequate.
Temporary safety net expansions were made throughout the pandemic, but are still not enough to help the millions of Americans that are struggling after the pandemic.
Raise the minimum wage to ensure economic stability for all
The minimum wage has not been raised in more than a decade, it is not enough to keep even a one adult and one child household out of poverty.
Today’s federal minimum wage is just $7.25 per hour, making it about $15,000 annually for a full-time job. The Raise The Wage Act would gradually lift the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by the year 2025.
Invest in affordable, accessible housing
Most renters in the United States are paying more than a third to half of their incomes on rent and utilities.
Native American, Black, and Latinx renters are more likely to have low income. Racially targeted policies has worsened housing security for people of color, who are more cost-burdened and face more discrimination in obtaining and maintaining housing.
There is a shortage of more than 7 million affordable housing units. Investments in permanent housing programs such as, Housing First and, Homes Guarantee should be supported.
Organizations like the Salvation Army, Oxfam International, UNICEF, The Red Cross, Concern worldwide, etc. all help to end poverty around the world.
The Salvation Army serves displaced men, women, and children 365 days a year through: homeless shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and re-entry resources.
The Salvation Army and Concern Worldwide are committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment, welcoming anyone in need. The Salvation Army’s doors are open every day and night of the year.
Through emergency housing facilities, homeless shelters, transitional living centers, group homes, and family shelters, they provide over 10 million nights of lodging annually.
Concern Worldwide is a global community of volunteers who share a common vision of a world where no one lives in poverty, fear, or oppression.
These are all some of the many solutions to end poverty by supporting these organizations. The main ways these organizations try to solve poverty is through:
Equality, climate change, education, ending hunger, improving the economy, cleaner water, and ending war/conflict. These are all the solutions to the root causes of poverty, and these organizations work to reverse them and bring change.
There are also ways people can help individually. Someone could donate money, food and goods, time, money, vehicles, bonds, stocks, wills, planned giving, and even donating airline miles for volunteers. All of these donations go towards the fight to end poverty around the world.
Poverty is something that can affect an individual for the rest of their life. Poverty comes with short term and long term effects. Poverty is linked to homelessness, food insecurity, little access to healthcare, little access to childcare, inadequate housing conditions, and more. These things can mentally and physically begin to take a toll on people. Adults may develop anxiety, depression, and even low self esteem due to their poverty. Children have a greater chance of developing behavioral and emotional problems, such as impulsiveness, aggression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and they can even have trouble with getting along with their peers. people in poverty are also exposed to more violence and crime.
