Poverty In The U.S.

While global poverty is an issue, there is also poverty right here in the US. In the 1960’s, when the War on Poverty was declared, an official “poverty line” was established—but this is not necessarily a number that allows a family to live comfortably. Also, many families rise and fall above and below the poverty line, and even when not “officially” impoverished, still struggle. The Census bureau estimates 37 million poor in the US as of 2005, a rate 12.6 percent. 15.6 million people live in extreme poverty, which is considered living on an income under half of the current poverty line.

We can all do our part, and donating money to the poor is just the beginning. We can pray for those in poverty, and reach out to the poor in our area—get to know them, so that we can show them compassion and learn in what ways our help is really needed.