6 Ways to Help Americans Living in Poverty
By Kaleena Thompson | June 23, 2011 at 5:33 am
Photo by AP
Some people may think that poverty is only a problem in the Global South. But, actually, poverty remains a challenge in the US. One in seven Americans are now considered to be in poverty. In fact, the latest report from the Census Bureau reveals that in 2009 the U.S. poverty rate climbed to 14.3 percent. And as the 2010 report is released this year, we could find those numbers even higher.
During the Great Recession, the number of people without health insurance increased between 2008 and 2009, notes the report. Since 2007, the year before the recent recession, median household income has declined 4.2 percent and is 5 percent below the median household income peak that occurred in 1999.
What does this mean for those people? It means lacking clean water, nutritious food, health care, education, clothing and housing. Here are a few ways we can help to provide those basic needs for them:
- Clean Water: There isn’t a shortage of clean water like in underdeveloped nations. Still, there are people who may seek unsafe watering holes. Brita Water Filters can help people get access to cleaner drinking water. Fill up a filter pitcher and give it to someone in need.
- Nutrition: Good nutrition is critical to reach a healthy immune system. However, poverty drains many families from the necessary food groups. Visit Feeding America and learn more about how and where you can help.
- Health Care: You can help an uninsured American by suggesting he or she visit a Remote Area Medical pop-up clinic, a volunteer organization that brings free medical, dental and vision care to those without coverage. Founder Stan Brock loads medical equipment in his private plane and creates a mobile medical center around the world.
- Education: The ongoing budget crisis has resulted in underfunded and ill-equipped schools – a problem more prevalent in schools of lower-income communities. Even worse, students from low-income families are 2.4 times more likely to drop out of school than those from middle-income families, according to DoSomething.org. This may be a long uphill battle, but take small steps to foster a child’s learning. Get involved in a local Boys & Girls Club to mentor and encourage kids to stay in school and pursue higher education.
- Clothing: Low-income families – especially children – could really benefit from donated clothes. Clean out your closet and donate any gently used clothes to charities. Places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army and other second-hand clothing stores provide a great service for people in need.
- Shelter: Since 2009, the number of homeless families increased 1.1 percent, and the number of homeless persons in families increased 1.5 percent, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. You can support your local homeless shelters by providing sleeping bags, cots, and donating your time.
What are some other methods to help Americans living in poverty?
