Poverty"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." |
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| Poverty is a major problem in the United States today. It affects all people regardless of ethnic group or social status. The majority of people living in poverty are non-hispanic white people (16 million Americans). Even though this seems like a lot of people it is only 8.2% of the total white population. The poverty rate among African Americans was 24.5% in 2007. For Hispanics the rate was 21.5% in 2007. For Asian Americans the poverty rate was 10.2%. | These statistics are difficult to comprehend without knowing what qualifies a person to be considered below the poverty level. Currently the poverty level lies at an income of about $21,200 for a family of four. However, the minimum amount of money needed for a family of four to just survive is $35,000. This $21,200 must cover food, shelter, and childcare even before school supplies or clothing is considered. In short, many people in poverty accumulate an astounding amount of debt that keeps them below the poverty level for life. | |
| Debt is not the only factor that leads to poverty. Unemployment, the high cost of health care, addictions, the bad economy, among others contribute to the growing number of people in poverty. Luckily, organizations along with the government are trying to address the pressing situation. Through government aid such as welfare and after school programs for children, and non-profit organization aid that ranges from charitable works to works of justice. Through everyone's cooperation the government and organizations like CCHD hope to eradicate poverty. | ||
Created by Alyse Krausz and Kassie Mallory
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